Ortho Patient Information

The Importance of Proper Oral Care

One of the things we all have to do in life is take care of our health, which includes our oral health. This is even more important when we undergo orthodontic treatment such as clear aligners, braces, or have just undergone orthodontic surgery. As time goes on, there are circumstances that may cause our oral health to become impacted. This could happen due to age, lifestyle habits, or illness. Due to these circumstances, our oral health may have complications which result in the need for further dental intervention. Going to your family dentist for regular appointments allows them to better track any oral health issues that may be forming and plan a course for treatment.

Prevent and Detect Oral Disease - Your family dentists duty is to keep your mouth clean from plaque, and to check for any signs of oral distress, including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. These sorts of oral health issues can affect everyone, no matter their age. This is why the dental association recommends going in for a dental check-up (also called a recall) every 4-6-months. Semi-annual check-ups allow your family dentist keep your mouth clear from debris and to keep an eye on any oral health issues that may be forming.

Prevent Bad Breath - Medical studies indicate that 85% of patients with ongoing bad breath (halitosis) are caused by oral health issues that can be prevented. Having an oral hygiene regimen is essential in preventing bad breath which includes routine dental care. This is more important when undergoing orthodontic treatment as there are more places for debris to buildup.

Brighten and Whiten Your Smile - During your next dental cleaning, your family dentist should perform a dental exam to have a better understanding of the current state of your mouth. This exam allows their team to provide you with a thorough cleaning and polish of your teeth, gums, and orthodontic appliance. Having your teeth cleaned every 4-6-months helps remove plaque and helps remove most coffee, tobacco, and tea stains from your teeth, which gives you a fresh and bright looking smile for when your braces come off.