Oral hygiene habits should be developed from childhood, and should continue to be practiced every day if you want to maintain healthy teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to rotting teeth and gum disease, which can have long term effects. If you are currently wearing traditional braces, lingual braces and clear aligners, Invisible Lingual Braces recommend the following tips!
Brush, Brush, Brush!
If you don’t wear braces you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Once in the morning and then after your last meal of the day. If you wear traditional braces or lingual braces you should be brushing your teeth after every meal, to ensure optimum oral hygiene and health while you are wearing braces.
Not many people know this, but there is a correct way to brush your teeth. If you’re not sure you can ask your orthodontist the next time you visit. It’s important to clean the surfaces of your tongue, roof of your mouth and the inside of your cheek as well as your teeth. You can clean your tongue with your toothbrush, but a tongue scraper is also great!
Always let your toothbrush air dry and avoid putting covers over the brush as this allows bacteria to grow. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Floss
Flossing is very important for oral hygiene, whether you are wearing traditional braces or lingual braces, or you’re not wearing braces at all. Flossing helps remove food particles, plaque build-up and germs from in between your teeth. Not flossing leads to tartar build-up and gum disease.
Use a Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great last line of defence when you have traditional braces or lingual braces. It can go places where brushes and floss cannot. Mouthwash will remove bacteria from the mouth and help prevent gingivitis.
Avoid Things That Stain Your Teeth
There are lots of things that can stain your teeth. These things include alcohol, smoking, drinking coffee and soft drinks like Coke or eating acidic foods.
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