October is National Orthodontic Health Month, making it the perfect time to share why straight teeth do more than just look great—they protect your overall health. Maintaining good oral health during orthodontic treatment is extremely important to prevent damage, sometimes permanent, that can occur if neglected.
During orthodontic treatment, our primary objective is to ensure that our patients’ teeth emerge even healthier than before. Achieving this requires the adoption of good habits, dedicating additional time, and maintaining consistent care throughout the entire treatment period. We expect our patients to brush their teeth in the morning, after school or work, and especially thoroughly in the evening before going to bed. We also ask that patients floss before their last brushing at night and spend extra time ensuring that they clean between the brackets and that the gumline is well-cleaned each time.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. When plaque is left on the tooth surface, patients may develop decalcification, "white scars" which can even progress to cavities on the front surface of their teeth. Gums can also become inflamed "puffy" and sometimes require special surgical treatment after orthodontics to return them to their original health.
This Halloween, don’t let candy turn your teeth into something truly frightening! As always, moderation is key when it comes to sugar, and Halloween is no exception. While we want our patients to enjoy their Halloween treats, those with fixed appliances (like braces or expanders) should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy candies such as Starburst, Laffy Taffy, Snickers, Milk Duds, Butterfinger, and so on. On the other hand, candies like chocolates, M&M’s, and peanut butter cups are generally safer for protecting braces compared to gummy candies.
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment, October (or any month!) is a great time to schedule a visit with us at Willow Lake Orthodontics. An orthodontic evaluation will let you know just what we can do to help you create a beautiful and healthy smile.