9 Tips to Boost Your Oral Hygiene Routine

9 Tips to Boost Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Posted on 11/30/2021

No matter what age you are, or what type of orthodontic treatment you’re going through, we all can boost up our oral hygiene regime. While brushing and flossing are the basic standards, there are other components you can incorporate daily. At Myers Orthodontics, Dr. Myers and staff not only advise patients on orthodontic care but dental care as well. Because they work hand-in-hand, it’s important for every orthodontic patient to take care of their teeth during treatment. Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign it’s important to keep your teeth and gums clean. But can you do more than brush and floss? Yes! Here are 9 tips to boost your oral hygiene regime.

  • Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months- After wear and tear, your toothbrush will become frayed and less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. Replace your toothbrush so that you’re cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly.
  • Switch Up Your Diet- Lower your consumption of sugar, alcohol, coffee/tea, and carbonated drinks. These foods and drinks can erode the enamel, which will make you more prone to cavities. If you decide to drink these liquids, use a straw to prevent the contact of liquid to the teeth. Also, stick to a clean diet rich in proteins, calcium, vitamins, and minerals that can keep your teeth strong and durable.
  • Add Mouthwash- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing/flossing. This will kill more oral bacteria and help fight plaque. Swish for 30 seconds twice a day.
  • Chew on (the Right) Gum- Sugar-free gum can help reduce bacteria in your mouth. It stimulates salivary flow, which bathes the teeth with calcium and phosphate ions that help replenish tooth enamel. Look for gum that has the ADA seal, which means it has been approved by the American Dental Association.
  • Use Fluoride- Whether you’re looking for toothpaste, mouthwash, or other products, look for the fluoride ingredient. Fluoride helps make our teeth more resistant to cavities.
  • Talk to Your Dentist About Sealants- Sealants are applied to the surface of your teeth and act as a barrier to prevent cavities. Children and teenagers are often candidates for sealants, but adults may be as well. If you have dental insurance, be sure to review your benefits to see if this is a covered procedure.
  • Quit Smoking- Smoking and vaping can lead to yellow teeth, increases the build-up of plaque, and bad breath. It also increases your risk of oral cancer. Quitting can go a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums.
  • Try Different Tools- Another great way to boost your oral hygiene is to use a WaterPik. It is a device that delivers a stream of pressurized water between your teeth, along the gum line, and around your braces. Also, try different flossers. If you have braces, try a floss threader, Superfloss, a platypus flosser, and/or a Harp flosser to get into hard-to-reach places. Interdental brushes can also work. You can find these online or at your local drugstore/supermarket.
  • Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups- Visit your dentist regularly to stay on top of your oral health. Your dentists will be able to detect decay in its earliest, most treatable stages.

Get Braces Today at Myers Orthodontics!

If you, or someone you know, is thinking of getting orthodontic work done, contact Myers Orthodontics today! Dr. Myers’s staff provides comprehensive, expert care to everyone of all ages. We offer all types of braces that can fit your lifestyle, all while straightening teeth. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Knoxville offices We can’t wait to start working with you!