Most people take care of their teeth because they want a white smile and to keep their teeth. While those are certainly good reasons, they are just two of many reasons to maintain good oral hygiene. Not taking care of your mouth can actually lead to a long list of health issues that you would just as soon avoid. This is true during orthodontic treatment and afterward.
Good Oral Hygiene for a Healthy Smile
If you do not follow a proper oral hygiene routine during your orthodontic treatment, one of the most obvious issues you will experience is an unhealthy mouth. Tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath can all result from neglecting this important part of self-care. Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease in which the gums experience inflammation. Left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis. In these cases, the infection has actually spread to the tissues that connect the gums to your teeth.
Medical Conditions Associated with Poor Oral Hygiene
As stated above, poor oral health regardless of whether or not you are undergoing orthodontic treatment can spread and cause problems in other areas of the body. Two of the biggest concerns are the possibility of a heart attack and stroke. There are many more potential diseases that can be linked to a lack of maintaining good oral hygiene, including:
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney disease
- Oral cancers
- Pancreatic cancer
- Heart disease
- Pregnancy complications
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is the most important part of a good routine. Whenever possible, you should do it as soon as you wake up before eating anything and then right before bed. This is especially important when wearing braces and other orthodontic appliances. Other ways to keep your smile looking and feeling its best include:
- Avoid eating too many sugary foods and drinks
- Use a mouthwash twice daily
- Invest in a tongue cleaner and use it periodically
- Drink plenty of water
- Quit smoking, if that applies
Another important step is to regularly seek out professional dental care.
Get All the Facts
Learn more about good oral hygiene and how we can maintain it during orthodontic treatment by setting up a time to visit us at Central Texas Orthodontics in Austin, TX. We would be more than happy to tell you more information about the dos and don’ts when undergoing treatment. Contact us today to book your appointment and get started.
Excellent service and treatment!
by Lisa
Category: orthodontistWe have been seeing Dr. St. Loius at Central Texas Orthodontics for a couple kids now over several years. Everytime we walk in for an appointment, we are greeted warmly and promptly taken back. The office is easy to get to and always runs on time, we have never had to wait to be seen, which is remarkable for a medical/dental office! The payment options were also fair and easy to understand. And the follow up, even after those braces come off, has been stellar! Retainers get lost or chewed up sometimes (ugg!), but a quick text into the office and we were able to drop off the original molds and have new ones made very quickly. Everyone who works at this office truly cares, and you can tell they all enjoy where they work, which is really wonderful to see. I cannot speak highly enough of this office, the staff, the care, and ESPECIALLY the after care and protecting our investment.
Austin’s Best Orthodontics!
by Robin Petmecky
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff are exceptional! Their professional, friendly and caring manner stand out every time I have an appointment. They are always very positive during my visits and make me feel like I’m part of their family. I never have to wait to be seen and I’m usually out in a minimal amount of time. I had my last orthodontic visit recently and they invited me to stop in anytime, just to say hello. I highly recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone needing their services. They are truly the BEST!
FANTASTIC GROUP!
by Melissa Moore Yacono
Category: orthodontistI love this office and the lovely, happy, warm staff!! Every one of the staff is kind and friendly! The vibe of the office is uplifting, relaxing, and Austin-y. Love it. The plants make it pleasant. Everything is so clean! What a refreshing visit and thank you so much for the stellar customer service.
Simply the Best!
by Christine Laux
Category: orthodontistDr. B. and his team are fantastic: Everyone just truly cares! They are knowledgeable and super helpful, always happy to consult. I recommend CTO not only for children and teens, but for adults as well! My two teenage daughters got their braces and I got my Invisalign. Dr. B. took his time to go over all our treatment plans and make adjustments. The communication is seamless and very responsive. All team members are wonderful - my special shoutout goes to Beatrice and Christen though: Those two lovely ladies go above and beyond with everything they do! Thanks to y’alls fabulous care our teeth are all straight now!
Awesome Experience
by Norma Constancio
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff were wonderful! From their friendly staff, nice office environment and Dr. St. Louis always willing to answer my questions. I would 100% recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone.
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