October is upon us and amidst the beautiful weather we are excited to celebrate the Orthodontic Health Month at Orchard of Smiles Orthodontics. To honor Orthodontic Health Month, we wanted to pass on some of our practice tips that would support and facilitate good oral hygiene with braces during your orthodontic treatment.

• The first thing to remember is that you need to brush your teeth after each meal or at least three times a day using a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities. Alternatively, you can use an electric toothbrush which is very effective in cleaning around fixed appliances and removing plaque and food debris.


• A proxybrush or an interproximal brush can be helpful for hygiene in hard to reach areas.


• Although flossing can be a bit more challenging with fixed appliances in place, it is important to floss daily during the course of your orthodontic treatment. There are special products available for flossing with orthodontic appliances such as floss threaders and superfloss.


• A water flosser known as a waterpik can also be an invaluable tool to clean around your fixed appliances, and keep your teeth and gums clean.


• Also, for the health of your teeth, please try to limit the consumption of sweets (candy, cakes, cookies and ice cream) and acidic drinks (soda, soft drinks). Make sure that you brush after eating a sweet treat or drinking soda with a fluoridated toothpaste when possible.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is an important step toward keeping your treatment on track. If you receive braces as part of your treatment plan, we will show you the proper technique to brush and floss with your new appliances. As part of your oral hygiene routine, it is also necessary to continue visiting your dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Anna Morrison and our dedicated team are committed to supporting you every step of your orthodontic journey to a beautiful and healthy smile!