With the decade coming to a close, many are preparing for the upcoming year with new resolutions for a better year. Some may have trouble deciding what to make a resolution for, but generally, a good start is to strive to make some sort of positive change in your life. For those with braces, you’re already on your way to a major positive change, but there is always room for improvement and Choonara Orthodontics of Johannesburg is here to help with some useful suggestions to aid you in getting the healthy smile you deserve!
1. Choose a Proper Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouth Rinse
This may come as a surprise to some, but the type of toothpaste you use can actually make a difference in your oral health! With such a wide variety of products available, it’s hard to know which option is best. That’s why the orthodontists at Choonara Orthodontics are happy to assist and provide information on what products work best while wearing braces.
It is important to keep in mind that some brands of oral health products contain abrasive or harsh ingredients that can damage the metallic braces. And when you are selecting floss, you must choose a type that will fit between your teeth and along the wires of the brackets.
2. Brush Your Teeth
As you probably know by now, brushing your teeth while wearing metal braces can be a difficult task. With all the little, tight spaces it can be difficult to keep your teeth completely clean. However, brushing is important and must not be skipped! At Choonara Orthodontics, we recommend making a resolution to not only brush morning and night but also after meals as it will ensure that no food gets trapped in your braces to allow bacteria to build up.
3. Floss at Least Once a Day
Whether or not you have braces, this one is always a good habit to get into. After you find floss that is best for your needs, make an effort to incorporate it into your daily routine. One tip from our orthodontists is to floss before you brush your teeth. This way, you’ll have already gotten the task out the way and you won’t forget to do it after brushing.
4. Get an Oral Irrigator
Oral irrigation is a great practice to pick up in order to remove additional plaque and food particles from your mouth. You can start this year off right by investing in an oral irrigator. This small appliance uses a flow of water to dislodge food, bacteria, and plaque from your gums, teeth, and braces. This one device is a really easy way to make an improvement in your regular oral hygiene practices!
5. Choose Your Diet Carefully
This one should be obvious by now, but there are certain foods you should avoid while wearing braces, however, sometimes we let ourselves slip and go beyond the recommended diet. While it’s possible you may not have had any actual problems in the past with certain foods, keep in mind that these foods could be potentially damaging to your braces, possibly undoing progress or leading to repairs that would otherwise not be needed. If you have a hard time sticking to the recommended diet, maybe this year might be the year you make a resolution to be more strict with your eating habits while wearing braces.
Contact The Orthodontic Experts
Our team at Choonara Orthodontics is dedicated to providing our patients with the best and most exceptional orthodontic care, and going into the new year, we hope that you may consider making a resolution to help maintain a greater sense or oral hygiene! If you are curious about what else you may be able to do to improve your oral hygiene, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Choonara Orthodontics is located in Johannesburg, but proudly serves all surrounding areas including Sandton and Randburg! We hope to hear from you soon and that you have a fantastic new year!