7 tips for proper orthodontic cleaning

As your son or daughter begins orthodontic treatment, it is important to remember that good oral hygiene is more important than ever. Proper orthodontic cleaning is essential to maintaining good oral health and avoiding any dental problems.

In addition, you should bear in mind that the best way to keep your mouth clean is not just to clean it more (which should be impeccable), but to make it less dirty. Therefore, any food that leaves traces will cause discomfort, irritation, bad breath or other diseases.

Here are seven tips for proper orthodontic cleaning:

1. Brush after every meal: It is important to brush your teeth after every meal and before going to bed. Whether you wear braces or aligners, plaque and food debris can build up, which can cause cavities, stains and bad breath. Use a soft toothbrush and make circular movements to gently clean your teeth, including all tooth surfaces.
2. Flosscarefully: Flossing is important for removing plaque and food debris between teeth. Floss gently and carefully, making sure not to pull too hard to avoid injuring the gums.
3. Use mouthwash: mouthwash can help remove plaque and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Choose a mouthwash without alcohol and artificial colours.
4. Avoid certain foods: In the case of fixed braces, some foods can damage them and prolong treatment. Avoid hard, sticky and hard-to-bite foods, such as chewing gum, candy, nuts and popcorn. Keep in mind that any gummy substance can have a harmful effect on your braces, as can carbonated beverages or sugary or citrus juices.
5. Schedule regular teeth cleaning appointments: It’s important to schedule twice-yearly teeth cleaning appointments during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or dental hygienist can effectively clean your child’s teeth and braces, removing any plaque and food debris that has built up.
6. Don’t force it: there are bad habits to avoid, such as biting nails, pens or other objects that can weaken them. The same applies to large snacks or fruit, which should always be cut into pieces so as not to fracture the appliance.
7. Always carry the case: if you use aligners, it is advisable to always carry the box in which you keep them, both at home and when you go out to eat. It is important to do this to prevent them from getting dirty or accidentally lost. Although aligners are made of strong material, they are not flexible enough to withstand extreme positions and can break if not handled properly.

In summary, good oral hygiene is critical to maintaining oral health during orthodontic treatment.

Be sure to follow these tips to clean your son or daughter’s braces properly. If you have any questions or need further advice, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or dental hygienist.

Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment will help ensure a healthy and beautiful smile!

Make an appointment at Udemax Clinics, at Arcdental, your children’s clinic located in Zona Colegios, or at Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. Or call us on 971 767 521.

At Clinicas Udemax we offer the youngest patients in the family a personalised service provided by a team of specialists in children’s and teenagers’ dental cases. Our aim is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatments at these ages to guarantee the development of a healthy mouth, establishing the foundations for proper oral health that will allow adults to maintain an aesthetic and functional smile for years to come.

It is important in our clinic to offer the greatest peace of mind and safety with our treatments. For this reason, we have a team specialised in paediatric dentistry techniques and preventive and corrective orthodontics that continues to be trained to apply the latest technology and guarantee excellent and long-lasting results.