March 25, 2026
Studies have shown that there is a connection between orthodontic care and overall wellness, improving myriad health issues. Once the teeth are properly aligned, patients often find that they sleep better, feel more confident, and may have less pain. The risk of gum disease is also reduced, and this lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. There is even evidence to show that orthodontia can improve a person’s mental health. The best news is that it’s a pre-emptive measure, because it addresses the root causes of these problems before they turn into major issues that require more extensive medical intervention. By straightening the teeth, orthodontists align the jaw, but they also make it easier to practice good oral hygiene. On the other hand, patients whose oral hygiene is poor run the risk of impeding their orthodontic treatment.
Understanding Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
Oral hygiene is always important, but it is especially vital when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and other orthodontic appliances make it difficult to clean the teeth effectively, because they create more spaces for food to become trapped. Additionally, it’s tricky to brush and floss when the teeth are partially covered with braces, and even more difficult to clean between the braces.
How Poor Oral Hygiene Impacts Orthodontic Outcomes: Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, and Braces
These difficulties can lead to a buildup of plaque, which can harden into tartar, causing tooth decay and gum disease. If you can’t clean your teeth properly while you are having orthodontic treatment, you may also develop white or brown spots from decalcification, and these may still be there, even after the braces come off and the treatment is over. You may also experience bad breath that won’t go away, or your gums may grow over the brackets.
Best Practices for Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
How do you know if you are practicing the proper oral hygiene? Warning signs of oral problems include redness, swelling, or sensitivity near the gumline, spots on your teeth, bleeding gums, or frequent bad breath. To prevent these issues, clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least two to three times a day.
Brushing with Braces: Tools and Products that Help
When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, preferably an electric toothbrush. Talk to your orthodontist about specialized toothbrushes designed specifically for use with braces. Use a water flosser or interdental brush to reach between the brackets where the toothbrush can’t reach, and rinse with a fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel.
Sometimes, the Best Way to Clean Your Teeth is to Visit Your Orthodontist
It’s important to have regular deep cleanings done by your orthodontist, so that the teeth can be scaled and polished, to reduce plaque. At SouthShore Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional service and excellent results in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Under the leadership of Dr Matt Ahrens, a Board Certified Orthodontist, our team offers treatment that is completely personalized to each patient, with a focus on making each patient’s experience enjoyable. Serving Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, and the surrounding areas, we welcome new patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation, or for more information about all our practice has to offer, contact us through our website.