In this fast-paced world, people seek instant and efficient solutions for everything they do. However, when it comes to orthodontic treatment, patience is key, as it typically takes around 1-1.5 years to achieve the desired results. During this long haul, patients must be diligent in maintaining their oral hygiene, as any negligence can lead to unaesthetic stains and decay of their otherwise healthy teeth. Unlike regular patients with well-aligned teeth, orthodontic patients face various challenges while cleaning their teeth due to the presence of brackets and wires.
1. Food getting stuck in the tiny spaces between brackets and wires.
2. Pain and discomfort during brushing.
3. Tooth surfaces inaccessible to brush.
4. Not being able to rinse or brush after each meal due to time, place, and work restrictions.
Let's explore some guidelines that will help every orthodontic patient ensure a hassle-free treatment period while preserving healthy teeth during and after orthodontic treatment.
Dietary Instructions:
One of the essential aspects of maintaining oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is being mindful of one's dietary choices. Avoiding hard, crunchy, and sticky foods is advised, as hard or crunchy items can risk damaging the braces, while sticky foods make it difficult to clean the tooth surfaces thoroughly. Some key dietary tips include:
Avoid sticky and sugary food items like chocolates, candies, toffees, and caramels.
Do not restrict chewing to one side, as chewing helps in self-cleansing.
Stay away from coloured foods.
Reduce the frequency of snacking.
Oral Hygiene Instructions:
Effective oral hygiene practices are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout the orthodontic treatment. Some essential oral hygiene tips for orthodontic patients are:
Rinse your mouth after every meal to dislodge any food particles.
Use the proper brushing technique, ensuring all areas around the braces are cleaned thoroughly.
Utilize orthodontic toothbrushes that are designed for cleaning braces.
Consider using interdental brushes to reach areas between brackets and wires.
Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and debris between teeth and braces.
Schedule scaling appointments as prescribed by your orthodontist.
Attend regular appointments with your orthodontist for monitoring and guidance.
Your orthodontist will remind you about proper hygiene maintenance during each visit.
Oral Hygiene Aids:
Certain oral hygiene aids can significantly enhance cleaning efficiency during orthodontic treatment. These aids include:
Orthodontic brushes - such as rubber-tipped, end-tuft, or single-tuft brushes.
Disclosing solutions or tablets to help identify plaque buildup.
Antibacterial rinses to maintain oral health.
Oral irrigators for removing debris between teeth and braces.
Fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
Brushing Instructions:
Proper brushing is vital to avoid plaque buildup and tooth decay while wearing braces. Many areas can be easily missed during brushing, so orthodontists recommend brushing in front of a mirror to spot any debris or food that might go unnoticed. Follow these brushing instructions:
Position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, including above and beneath the braces to clean them thoroughly.
Use a circular motion to clean all tooth surfaces while maintaining the proper angulation.
For areas between the archwire and teeth, consider using an interdental or proxy brush.
Expert Insights:
Various orthodontists shared their instructions for patients during orthodontic treatment:
Dr. Anand Abraham from Cochin, Kerala advises patients to use mouthwash 2-3 times weekly, after half an hour of brushing at night. He also emphasizes rinsing the mouth after every meal and reducing the consumption of soft drinks and sweets.
Dr. Thejasri Keerthipati from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh recommends brushing twice daily and using mouthwash after every meal, twice daily.
Avoid sticky foods during orthodontic treatment
Dr. Thejasri keerthipati, consultant orthodontist , Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Dr. Ajith Geevee, an ongoing Ph.D. scholar and consultant orthodontist from Salem, Tamil Nadu, suggests brushing twice daily using an Orthobrush and looking into the mirror while brushing. He advises against eating sticky foods, such as parota and chapati, and suggests using Relief wax for any discomfort caused by sharp wire tips or braces.
Keep Your Appointments! Have a check on your dates. If you miss the appointments, Your treatment duration will be prolonged.
Dr.Ajith Geevee, consultant orthodontist,ongoing PhD scholar, Assistant professor, Vmsdc, salem.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to ensure a pleasant and effortless journey through orthodontic treatment. By following the above-mentioned instructions, patients can safeguard their dental health, achieve the best treatment outcome, and enjoy a beautiful smile at the end of their orthodontic journey.
Follow the Author on MedBound: Dr. Meghana Pasala (@Meghanaortho)
