Keeping Your Smile Healthy With Braces
Braces don't just move teeth, they also change your daily hygiene routine a little. Brackets and wires create small gaps where food particles like to hide, and once that happens, plaque can build up faster than it would otherwise.
Our Provo team makes sure every patient leaves the office knowing exactly how to handle that at home. We'll walk you through the techniques and tools that actually work, so your teeth and gums stay healthy from your first adjustment to your last. Brushing and flossing are still the foundation, and getting into good habits early makes the rest of treatment noticeably easier.
Tools Worth Adding to Your Routine
Beyond the basics of brushing and flossing, our Provo team often points patients toward a few extra tools that help keep plaque and irritation under control during treatment.
- Interdental Brush:
A small, flexible brush designed to get into the tight spots around brackets and wires that a regular toothbrush tends to miss. Used gently, it clears out food debris and plaque without putting pressure on your braces. - Antimicrobial Rinse:
We often suggest Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide rinse that helps lower infection risk and calm irritation from brackets or wires. It's safe to use up to four times a day, ideally after meals and before bed. - Fluoride Treatment:
Phos-Flur, a sodium fluoride gel, helps reinforce enamel and protect against decay throughout treatment. It works against bacteria while restoring minerals to the teeth, and each application takes about 30 minutes. - Caring for Removable Appliances:
If you're wearing a removable appliance like a retainer, clean it just as often as you brush your teeth to keep bacteria from building up. Our team will show you exactly how to clean it properly so it stays in good shape for the length of treatment.
A healthy smile during treatment doesn't require anything complicated, just consistency. If you're unsure what hygiene routine fits your specific treatment, our Provo team is happy to walk you through it. Reach out to our office anytime.