Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs
3 Important Tips For Keeping Braces Clean
Joe Lawrence
Getting braces is an extremely exciting milestone, and as you leave the orthodontist your mind is most likely occupied with images of the beautiful, straight smile you always dreamed of having. While braces do an amazing job closing gaps and perfecting alignment, they can also be collectors of harmful bacteria. These bacteria can cause cavities, bad breath, and gum disease--all of which can sabotage your orthodontic treatment. Adolescent orthodontics and teen orthodontics patients are especially at risk for developing these problems due to their less thorough hygiene habits. By following the simple tips listed below, you can keep your smile clean and healthy.
1. Blast Bacteria with a Water Flosser
Everyone knows that flossing is an absolute must in any oral hygiene routine, but metal braces can present some unique challenges which may inhibit proper plaque removal with traditional string floss. A water flosser uses a pressurized jet of water to gently and effectively remove every trace of food debris, easily working around braces and any other dental appliance. Best of all, the stream of water is pain-free and is often even soothing to a sore mouth, and other liquids may be added to the reservoir, such as medicated mouthwashes.
2. Fluoride is Your Friend
More than ever, fluoride should be an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. Fluoride has an amazing ability to keep teeth strong and healthy by replenishing the minerals that protect tooth enamel, and when teeth are exposed to the added threats that dental appliances present, fluoride should be used more abundantly. Try to incorporate products rich in fluoride in the form of both toothpastes and rinses to give your teeth an added barrier of protection during treatment. As always, be sure to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using fluoride to allow it to adhere to teeth and do its job.
3. Get Every Nook and Cranny with an Interproximal Brush
An interproximal brush is a thin, cone-shaped brush which is usually used as a flossing aide, but it is also incredibly useful as a secondary toothbrush. After thoroughly brushing with a traditional brush, go over vulnerable areas with an interproximal brush to make sure that every inch of tooth surface is scrubbed thoroughly. These handy little tools are also perfect for quickly grabbing embarrassing pieces of food that may get stuck in your braces during meals.
Keeping your teeth clean, healthy, and strong will ensure that your new smile is even brighter! Talk to your orthodontist at a place like Kazmierski Orthodontics for more tips.
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Caring for an elderly parent tends to be tough enough without the added stress of dealing with dental implants or dentures. But, the prospect is not the end of the world—there are many things you can do to ensure that your parent's dental health is not compromised without having to spend a lot of personal time doing the care yourself. Between working with the right dentist, hiring a service provider for part time work, and giving your parent the tools he or she needs to care for his or her own dental health at home, you'll find that dental health for your loved one isn't so tough or time consuming after all. Hopefully you are able to get the support and information you need right here.