Keeping Your Mouth Clean
At a young age, you can begin the fight with plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Since braces and other orthodontic appliances add more nooks and crannies to which the plaque can stick, it is extremely important to focus on cleaning while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Introduction
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, simply:
- Brush your teeth three times a day. Use your Rota-dent® electric toothbrush to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Then, use a manual, soft-bristled toothbrush with Colgate Total® toothpaste to brush the broad surfaces of the teeth and the top surface of your tongue to eliminate bad breath and bacteria buildup. Use your travel toothbrush and proxibrush after meals, when you are at school, at work, or on the go.
- Floss your teeth daily, using a floss threader or flossFish™. Decay-causing & periodontitis-causing bacteria can linger between teeth & under the gums, where the Rota-dent® microfilaments and other toothbrush bristles can't reach. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gums.
- Use a mouthwash, such as Listerine®, to combat bacteria in your mouth and bad breath.
- When choosing any dental product, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators (such as the Waterpik®), fluoride rinse, and mouthwash.
- Talk to Dr. Held, the WHO Team, and your general dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you.
- Eat a balanced diet, and limit between-meal snacks. If a snack is needed, nutritious foods such as soft vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or a piece of fruit should be chosen.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your general dentist every 3-6 months, for professional cleanings and oral exams.
- Ask your general dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your orthodontist and your general dentist regularly, you can have an attractive smile along with healthy teeth and gums throughout your entire life.
