At Orthodontics at Don Mills, we know good dental health is essential for good overall health. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Noble.
Start by brushing your teeth four times per day. To ensure you are brushing for the proper length of time, listen to one song, which is about 3-4 minutes long. This ensures you brushed for the right amount of time and makes the process more fun! Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Noble if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a electronic toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.
We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Dr. Noble or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit!