Just because you’re getting treatment doesn’t mean you can put oral care on the back burner! Doc Ak and our SmileOn Orthodontics team have tons of tips for your oral health during orthodontic treatment. We keep Cedar Park smiling year-round! Keep reading to learn more about our top tips for oral health during orthodontic treatment.
Why Oral Health Matters
You’ve decided to take the plunge and get braces or aligners. High five! But let’s not forget orthodontic treatment isn’t just about getting a smile that turns heads. You’ve also got to keep your mouth healthy.
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t buy a shiny new car and never take it for an oil change, right? The same goes for your teeth. Braces and aligners are like your smile’s best friends. Orthodontic appliances help your teeth move into their best possible positions. But while they’re doing their job, food particles and plaque have more hiding places. The result? You might become more prone to cavities and gum issues. Yikes!
That’s why keeping your oral health in check while undergoing treatment is super important. A little extra care can go a long way. You deserve straight, healthy teeth. And don’t worry, you’re not in this alone. Doc Ak and our SmileOntourage are here to give you all the tips and tricks you need to keep that smile both stunning and strong.
The Basics: Brushing and Flossing
All set with your new braces or aligners? Awesome! But now comes the part that keeps those pearly whites, well, white. We’re discussing the dynamic duo of oral care: brushing and flossing. These two simple habits are your ticket to a healthy smile during your orthodontic journey. And guess what? Doc Ak and the SmileOntourage have got your back with some easy-to-follow tips.
Brushing
Let’s kick things off with brushing. It leads the charge against plaque and food particles. With braces or aligners, the stakes are a bit higher. Those nooks and crannies around your brackets or aligners are like lounges for bacteria. Not cool, right? That’s why we recommend brushing at least three times a day. Morning, noon, and night—make it a ritual. Spend at least two minutes each time. Get all the angles. And hey, if you’re unsure which toothbrush or toothpaste to pick, ask us during your next visit. We want you to have the right tools for the job.
Flossing
You’ve got to floss! And while the dance is fun, that’s not what we’re talking about! While brushing takes care of the surface, flossing gets those hard-to-reach spots between your teeth. With braces, flossing becomes even more crucial. Food loves to play hide-and-seek in those tiny spaces. Trust us, you don’t want it to win. We recommend flossing at least once a day. If you find flossing with braces tricky, we have a solution—Superfloss. It’s designed to make flossing with braces a breeze. And if something gets really stuck, a Waterpik can be your biggest asset. Just a quick spray, and you’re good to go!
Eating Right: Do’s and Don’ts
Who doesn’t love a good snack, right? But when you’ve got braces or aligners, some foods are like that friend who’s fun but a bit too wild—you love ’em, but they can get you into trouble. Don’t worry, though. Doc Ak and the SmileOntourage have whipped up a handy guide to keep your eating habits in check and your orthodontic treatment on track.
Foods to Avoid
First up is the no-go list. These are the foods that can make your braces’ life difficult. We’re talking sticky, chewy, and hard foods. Imagine gummy bears, hard pretzels, and even some types of pizza crust. The rule of thumb? If it’s harder than a banana, it’s not on the menu. These foods can bend wires, pop off brackets, and make your next orthodontic appointment a lot more complicated.
Foods You Can Eat
Now for the good stuff! Healthy foods aren’t just great for your body. They’re also kind to your braces or aligners. Think fruits and veggies. Just remember to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Meats are also on the menu, as long as they’re not straight off the bone. A well-balanced diet is your secret weapon for a strong body and a stunning smile. So go ahead, eat smart, and smile on!
Playing Sports? Protect That Smile!
Hey, athletes, listen up! Just because you’re sporting new braces or aligners doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. You can still be the star player! But there’s one piece of gear you absolutely can’t forget—a mouthguard. A mouthguard is like the goalie of your oral care team. It blocks any unexpected hits that could mess up your braces or, worse, your teeth.
Doc Ak and the SmileOntourage are big fans of keeping active. But we’re even bigger fans of keeping your smile safe. That’s why we strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard during any sport where things might get rough. We’re talking football, basketball, soccer, you name it. A mouthguard helps protect not just your braces but also your gums and teeth from unplanned bumps or collisions. So, next time you gear up, ensure a mouthguard is part of your uniform.
Regular Check-ups: Your Roadmap to Success
So, you’re doing all the right things at home, from brushing to flossing to eating right. That’s great! But let’s not forget the pit stops that make your orthodontic journey smooth sailing—your regular check-ups with Doc Ak and the SmileOntourage. Think of these appointments as your roadmap to success. They’re where we make sure everything goes according to plan. Plus, we can make any tweaks if you need them.
These visits are more than just a quick hello and goodbye. They’re your chance to ask questions, adjust your braces, or even pick a new color for your bands. Plus, it’s when Doc Ak checks that everything’s moving in the right direction. So, don’t skip these appointments; they’re crucial pit stops on your way to a fabulous smile. Mark them on your calendar, set a phone reminder, and do whatever it takes to prioritize them.
Orthodontic Treatment With SmileOn Orthodontics
SmileOn Orthodontics loves our Cedar Park Community! Pay a visit to Doc Ak and the SmileOntourage by scheduling a free consultation here. Become part of our SmileOnsemble, won’t you?
