National Orthodontic Health Month | Achieve A Smile Worth Falling For!

Posted on October 5, 2021

October is National Orthodontic Health Month and we’re here to remind you of its importance! Let’s celebrate all of your reasons to smile this month and all the different ways to care for your teeth while in orthodontic treatment. 

In the midst of all of the exciting things you have planned this fall, remember to maintain oral hygiene so that when your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete, you have a HEALTHY smile to show the world!

Improving your Oral Health During Orthodontic Health Month and Beyond

Proper brushing and flossing are always essential – whether you’re in orthodontic treatment or not! However, it’s important to spend extra time doing these tasks while wearing braces or Invisalign because areas in the mouth become harder to reach.

How to Properly Care for Your Braces

• Brush after every meal to ensure that no food gets stuck behind your brackets or wires.
• Utilize proxy brushes to brush in between brackets.
• Avoid sugary foods/beverages that can hide behind brackets and wires.
• Floss with floss threaders. 
• Rinse with Fluoride.

It’s important to keep in mind that poor oral hygiene while wearing braces can result in tooth decalcification. Decalcification is often referred to as white spots left on teeth after braces are removed. It occurs when sugars and foods high in acidity sit on the tooth for too long and begin eating away at the enamel. This results in discoloration once the bracket is removed. To learn more about how to avoid decalcification during orthodontic treatment, click here.

How to Properly Care for Invisalign

• Always remove your trays before eating or drinking anything other than water! Not brushing before putting your Invisalign trays back in can trap foods and sugars left in your teeth resulting in cavities. 
• Bacteria can build up on your trays while sleeping and will need to be cleaned. Be sure to establish a good morning and night routine to maintain good orthodontic health!
• Brush and Floss Regularly
• Rinse with Fluoride

Diet Affects Oral Health

Overall diet and food consumption contribute to many different areas of your life, but the role it plays in your oral health is often forgotten. Solid foods are needed to maintain a strong jaw and mouth. They can also help clean the plaque off your teeth while chewing. While wearing braces, be sure to cut solid foods and hard fruits/vegetables into bite-size pieces to avoid breaking any brackets or wires. 

Here are some healthy foods to incorporate into your diet during Orthodontic Health Month:

• Fresh Fruit 
• Steamed Vegetables (Easier to consume with braces)
• String Cheese 
• Yogurt
• Leafy Greens
• Water! Water! Water!

Practicing consistent orthodontic health will keep your teeth looking their best! At Cardinal Orthodontics, we hope this Fall season brings you closer to your loved ones and closer to your ideal smile.

Categories: Oral Health, Orthodontic Treatment
Tags: care for Invisalign, care for your braces, decalcification, Orthodontic Health, Orthodontic Treatment