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October often symbolizes the start of fall and the holiday season, and for us orthodontists October means National Orthodontic Health Month! During this month, we raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and how essential it can be to your overall dental health.

Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends parents have their child’s smile evaluated by an orthodontist by the age of 8. Between the ages of 7 and 10, children undergo growth spurts that are important to the development of their jaws and oral health. By coming in early, we can evaluate their oral health and ensure that as they grow their smile remains healthy.

Early treatment can prevent conditions from worsening and lower the risk for more complex and costly procedures. Orthodontic care does more than straighten misaligned teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. An improper bite or misaligned teeth can result in an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss as well as affect your jaw’s ability to function properly.

We want to also mention that we treat patients of all ages, and you are never too old or young to come in and start your journey to a brilliant smile.

Our October Orthodontic Tips

The month of October can be full of fun fall activities and events. If you are recently starting your orthodontic journey, you may find that life with an orthodontic appliance such as braces can quickly translate to treading carefully when it comes to food.

If you plan on attending any harvest parties or want to indulge in trick-or-treating, some may not be brace-friendly. Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods. This includes caramel, popcorn, chips, gum, taffy, toffee, lollipops, hard candies, and products with nuts. Hard vegetables and fruits such as carrots, corn on the cob, and apples should be cut into smaller pieces.

This may seem like a trick as many of the “good” treats need to be avoided if you wear braces, but it is important that you follow the dietary restrictions associated with orthodontic treatment. These foods could damage the brackets and wires of your appliance which may lead to injury, broken appliances, and emergency treatment, and can lengthen the course of your orthodontic treatment.

Taking Care of Your Teeth

Remember after you’ve had your fun, be sure to brush and floss after every meal and snack, especially after eating candy. Use interdental brushes and floss to clean between teeth, brackets, and wires. We also recommend rinsing your mouth afterward with an ADA-approved mouthwash. The last thing we want is a holiday cavity or dental emergency because of poor dental hygiene.

By following dietary restrictions and your orthodontist’s orders as well as remembering to clean your teeth properly, you can keep your treatment on track and reduce your risk for unexpected accidents afterward. If you have any questions about orthodontics and how we can help you or to schedule an appointment, contact Rockland Orthodontics today.

Even though the weather may be still hot and sunny, it is time to head back into the classroom for many of our patients! Whether you are preparing a child to go back to school or getting ready yourself, we understand that braces, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances can make navigating the new school year a little stressful. Not to fear though! Here are a few tips we’ve put together to help to make your back-to-school season smooth and stress-free!

Back-To-School Kit

When you have an orthodontic appliance, we strongly recommend patients brush their teeth after every meal. We understand that this may be tricky while at school, so we always encourage patients to prepare a travel kit for the semester, so that they can freshen up after a quick bite while on the go!

Your kit should include toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss or interdental brushes, lip balm, and dental wax. If you have braces, you might want to pack extra rubber bands if needed. The toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss are needed for cleaning and brushing between meals. Wax and lip balm can help to prevent irritation to the lips, gums, and cheeks.

Lunch Bunch Help

One of the biggest challenges for new orthodontic patients is the restrictions to their diet. Certain foods such as hard, crunchy, chewy, and sticky ones can damage, break, or get stuck within the appliance.

Certain items on the menu may not be suitable for you in-between classes, so you may need to pack your lunch occasionally or eat mindfully. Even sandwiches may need to be cut into smaller bites to prevent the bread and fillings from clinging to your appliance. If you are packing lunch for your child, be sure to include easy-to-eat treats such as pasta, lean cuts of meat, yogurt, applesauce, cheese, and soft fruits and vegetables.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water frequently throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to keep your braces and other oral appliances clear of food. Water can rinse food from brackets and wires, and though sodas, sports drinks, and juices can be tempting, they can increase the risk of cavities and buildup in your mouth, so we recommend water as your first choice of beverage!

Sports & Mouthguards

If you plan to play sports this year, make sure you speak to your orthodontist about choosing a mouthguard. Any sport can run the risk of mouth, teeth, and jaw injuries, however, some sports are a greater risk than others such as hockey, rugby, and football.

Mouthguards are cushioning oral appliances made of flexible material that fits snugly over your teeth to help protect against injuries to the teeth and mouth. They also prevent your jaws from coming together fully, reducing the risk of jaw joint injuries and concussion.

You can purchase mouthguards from sports stores or purchase a boil-and-bite type at pharmacies, but be sure you select one that is designed for people with braces or retainers. We can also create a custom mouthguard for you in the office so that you can be sure it fits your mouth perfectly.

It’s normal to feel a little nervous about the new school term, but orthodontic treatment shouldn’t be stressful. A straight and healthy smile can take time, but we hope that with these tips, the school year starts off stress-free! We wish all students and teachers a wonderful start to the year. For more information on how to navigate the school year with orthodontic treatment or to schedule an appointment, contact Rockland Orthodontics today.

Overcrowding, also known as dental crowding or crowded teeth, is a common dental condition that refers to when your teeth are unable to grow straight due to a lack of space. When this occurs, your teeth may press together, overlap, and twist out of alignment with some teeth being pushed behind or in front of other teeth.

There are three degrees in which overcrowding is diagnosed:

• Mild – Mild overcrowding refers to only one tooth being affected and is slightly rotated in the upper or lower jaw.
• Moderate – Moderate overcrowding is when two or three teeth rotate or overlap in the upper or lower jaw.
• Severe – Severe overcrowding means several or the majority of the teeth overlap in the upper or lower jaw.

What causes overcrowding?

Teeth should grow straight without crowding or gaps, but we know that is not always the cause. Here are some common factors that can lead to overcrowding:

• Abnormal tooth growth
• Excess teeth
• Genetics may cause teeth to be larger than your jaw can allow, or genetics may lead to a smaller jaw than average
• Losing primary teeth too early may cause other teeth to shift into the empty space
• Trauma and injury can fracture the jaw or lead to missing teeth which can cause teeth to shift in the healing process

Signs

If you are unsure if your teeth or your child’s teeth are crowded, there are some signs to look for that may indicate overcrowding, including:

• Crooked teeth at unusual angles
• Difficulty brushing and flossing
• Jaw pain
• Overlapping teeth
• Trouble biting or chewing

Often overcrowding can be related to malocclusions or misalignments of the jaw which can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and a possible temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Does overcrowding need to be treated?

If left untreated, overcrowding can lead to a variety of oral health problems:

Poor Hygiene

Overcrowded teeth that overlap or twist against other teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly, making it easy for plaque and bacteria to build up in the mouth and increases the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath.

Gum Disease

If plaque and bacteria do build up in an overcrowded mouth, this may lead to the development of gum disease. Signs of gum disease include a bad taste in the mouth, bleeding gums, loose teeth, swollen red gums, and gums that pull away from the teeth.

Malocclusions

Failure to correct crowding during childhood can lead to the jaw becoming misaligned in adulthood which can cause headaches, jaw pain, and potentially lead to jaw dysfunctions.

Speech Impediments

Overcrowded teeth can also cause speech difficulties as they can interfere with the ease and clarity of pronouncing certain words. This will depend on the location and severity of the overcrowding. Dental crowding may also cause whistling when talking as air moves through the teeth.

What are my treatment options?

The treatment for overcrowding will depend on the patient’s age and conditioning. Common treatment options for overcrowding include braces, aligners, extractions, and retainers. Braces are the most common treatment for overcrowding, though they can be the lengthiest of treatment options and requires frequent visits to our office to adjust the appliance accordingly. Braces apply constant pressure to your teeth to move them into their proper position.

Aligners, including clear ones such as Invisalign, can correct mild cases of overcrowding. These options are an alternative to traditional braces and are removable, but can be more costly as they need to be replaced every two weeks so that the teeth will shift properly throughout treatment.

In some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary for overcrowded teeth, but this is often only in cases of excess teeth. Once the tooth is extracted, we can discuss the best treatment method for you to help guide your teeth into proper alignment.

Retainers are often used after most treatment options for overcrowding to ensure your smile stays in place. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to properly use and care for your retainers so you can get the most out of your treatment.

As experienced orthodontists, we strive to provide you with high-quality care and service. A straight smile doesn’t have to be only a dream…we are here to assist you in achieving a healthy, bright, and beautiful smile! For more information on overcrowding and how we can help or to schedule a consultation, contact Rockland Orthodontics today.

On a hot summer day, it is common to find yourself seeking a cool refreshment to make you more comfortable in the heat. What is not as common is feeling a sharp pain through your teeth once you take a bite or sip of a cool treat. We aren’t talking about brain freezes–we are talking about sensitive teeth!

Tooth sensitivity is triggered by hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour foods, and drinks, or deep cavities and fillings. When the protective layer of enamel on your teeth wears away and exposes the dentin layer of your teeth, sensitivity occurs due to the porous nature of dentin.

Common Causes

Diet- Acidic foods and beverages can also eat away at your enamel and make your teeth more prone to erosion. Rinse your mouth with water afterward and wait at least one hour after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth.

Hygiene Habits- Poor oral health habits such as not brushing properly or flossing may also cause plaque and bacteria to build up and break down your tooth’s enamel, weakening them and making them more susceptible to sensitivity. Over brushing is a common cause for tooth sensitivity as a hard bristle brush or firm hand can wear down on your enamel and expose porous surfaces that lead to your tooth’s nerves increasing sensitivity.

Grinding Your Teeth- Patients who grind their teeth may create small fractures in their teeth that may irritate nerves and increase sensitivity as well.

Oral Health Conditions- Receding gums can also expose those that are normally protected by your enamel and increase nerve sensitivity in your teeth. Tooth decay, cavities, or deep fillings that penetrate deeply close to the nerve may also cause irritation and the development of tooth sensitivity. Certain dental conditions may also increase your risk of tooth sensitivity such as overcrowding, crooked teeth, and misaligned bites.

Whitening Products- You may also increase your tooth sensitivity by using certain teeth whitening products or chemicals. The main ingredient in many whitening solutions is peroxide which can irritate your teeth’s nerves and lead to sensitivity.

Treating Tooth Sensitivity

Your treatment will depend on the cause and severity. If your pain is due to an orthodontic adjustment, an over-the-counter pain reliever will help to reduce pain until the discomfort subsides.

For those whose sensitivity is caused by poor hygiene habits, then switching toothbrushes and brushing patterns can provide a great deal of relief–a soft-bristle brush will help to keep your teeth clean without damaging the enamel or gums. Using toothpaste designed for those with sensitive teeth can also help offer relief. Patients should notice a difference after several weeks of normal usage. If your sensitivity is severe and persists for several days, we may recommend scheduling an appointment to rule out cavities or other dental conditions that may be creating tooth sensitivity.

Orthodontics and Sensitive Teeth

When undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may also experience sensitive teeth. During treatment, your teeth are slowly shifted into alignment by using braces, and after an adjustment, you may notice minor sensitivity and discomfort. Fortunately, this is temporary and should not last more than a day or two following your appointment. If you experience sensitive teeth longer or chronically, consult your orthodontist. We will be able to recommend further care or may suggest scheduling an appointment with your dentist to discuss additional treatment options.

Remember to keep your teeth clean by brushing around the brackets, bands, and wires as best as possible, and flossing as proper hygiene will help to reduce plaque buildup that can wear down enamel and lead to sensitive teeth. For some, Invisalign may be an option depending on your case for those with extremely sensitive teeth. This clear aligner provides a lower risk of irritation and allows for easier cleaning.

Having sensitive teeth shouldn’t stop you from enjoying life to the fullest or prevent you from receiving orthodontic treatment. For more information on orthodontics and how we can help with sensitive teeth or to schedule an appointment, contact Rockland Orthodontics today.

We understand that orthodontic treatment can result in many changes to your everyday life such as your diet and oral hygiene habits. However, one thing that shouldn’t change is your participation in sports. Braces don’t always mean a spot on the bench for the season! You can continue to play sports while straightening your smile if you take some safety precautions. One way to protect your smile as you play is by using a mouthguard–especially if you have braces!

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a cushioning oral appliance made of flexible material that fits snugly over your teeth to help protect against injuries to the teeth and mouth. Mouthguards also prevent your jaws from coming together fully, reducing the risk of jaw joint injuries and concussion.

Why should you wear a mouthguard while playing sports?

Any sport can run the risk of mouth, teeth, and jaw injuries however some sports are a greater risk than others such as hockey, rugby, and football. These sports have a long record of causing tooth loss, chipped teeth, and broken jaws, and not all incidents occur at a professional level. Incidents can occur at any age, so we strongly encourage and advise our patients to wear mouthguards when they play or train.

Mouthguards are designed to absorb the impact and shock to prevent severe injury to your teeth, cheeks, tongue, and gums. Though you may think your braces are enough to prevent tooth loss, wearing a mouthguard in addition to braces will also protect your lips, cheeks, and tongues from lacerations if an injury does occur.

While traditional braces are a common and effective method to straightening teeth, there are other orthodontic options such as clear aligners and removable plates. If your child has a removable appliance, it may need to be removed for their safety during contact sports. However, you still need to wear a mouthguard while being active. Ask your orthodontist what treatment option is best for your oral health.

How to Choose a Mouthguard

There are two main types of mouthguards to choose from when making your decision: boil-and-bite mouthguards or custom-fitted mouthguards. As always, consult with your oral health team on which option is best for your needs. Make sure your mouthguard is designed to fit patients with braces for maximum protection and comfort. One factor to consider when deciding what mouthguard is right for you is how many mouthguards you may need throughout the season and whether a double mouthguard will be required for your sport. Some sports such as wrestling require mouthguards to cover both the top and bottom teeth.

Boil-and-Bite
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are made of medical-grade silicone and can be remolded several times if necessary. To use this type of mouthguard, the guard is heated to a boil and then after a brief cooling period, can be placed into your mouth to make an impression.

Some important notes to keep in mind when using this method with braces:

• Do not form the mouthguard over the braces in a way that will pull on the brackets causing damage or potentially removing the braces off.
• Before molding, be sure to cover your teeth and braces completely with a strip of orthodontic wax or foil. Without this barrier over the brackets, the mouthguard may seal around the brackets making it hard to get off and possibly damage your treatment or teeth. Once the mold is set, you can remove the barrier and wear the guard right over your braces.
• Though this can be a great option for most, it is important to note that as your teeth move due to your orthodontic treatment, your mouthguard will become loose and need to be remolded.

If you select a boil-and-bite mouthguard, be sure that you select one that is designed for braces and has enough room to accommodate your teeth, braces, and gums.

Custom-Fitted
Your orthodontist or dentist can make you a customized mouthguard from an impression of your teeth. Though this option can be more expensive, it ensures a proper and comfortable fit. One of the major disadvantages of a customized mouthguard is that you will have to replace it regularly as your teeth shift with treatment.

Caring For Your Mouthguard

It is important to take care of your mouthguard as well. Bacteria will begin to accumulate in a used mouthguard, so be sure to clean them after each use. You can brush them with toothpaste or rinse them with an antimicrobial solution. With proper care, your mouthguard can last up to a year. Avoid chewing on them as this can damage the material and loosen the fit. We recommend patients with moldable mouthguards replace them every year to ensure optimal protection.

Dental injuries are very common in recreational and professional sports. That is why the best way to protect your smile while you play is to use a mouthguard. Mouthguards can absorb the energy of an impact to reduce the severity of injury to your mouth and jaw. For more information on mouthguards during orthodontic treatment or to schedule a consultation, contact Rockland Orthodontics today.

We want you to know that even now, we are still here for you and your orthodontic needs. We are committed to the health and safety of our patients, staff, families, and community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though your experience may look different now as we take necessary steps to best protect our patients, staff, and doctors, we remain dedicated to providing you with high-quality care while still following the CDC guidelines. Our staff has undergone training and education on the importance of hygiene, facemasks, protective gear, and etiquette. We routinely clean and sterilize all surfaces, supplies, equipment, and tools within our office because when you walk into any healthcare facility, you should feel confident that you are in a safe and clean environment.

Our additional safety measures help limit contact with others so that your visit can be a safe and healthy one.

Practices in Place

Before You Arrive
Prior to your appointment, you will be asked to fill out a pre-screening questionnaire. This enables us to conduct a rough check of your health status and includes questions about recent coughs, fever, or potential contact with people who have been infected with COVID-19. You may be asked to complete this before scheduling an appointment and upon your arrival, in case your answers may have changed.

We would also like to inform our patients that we are limiting the number of people allowed in our office at a time to reduce the number of interactions between staff and patients.

Upon Arrival
Once you arrive at our office, a nurse will likely take your temperature. Depending on our current restrictions, you may be asked to wait in your car or outside after check-in until your room is ready.

If allowed in our waiting room, please continue to wear your mask until you are seated in the dental office and told to remove your mask. You may notice that magazines and commonly touched surfaces have been removed and signs placed on chairs and tables for social distancing purposes. Sanitizer is also available for your use.

During Your Appointment
Once you’re in the dental chair, you may notice some changes. We are currently asking patients to do a pre-procedural rinse­, a mixture of diluted hydrogen peroxide or iodine, to reduce the level of oral microorganisms present in your mouth and upper throat. It is important to note that these oral rinses are specially formulated for dental use and should only be used in a medical setting.

Our staff members may also wear different face shields, gowns, and goggles than previous appointments to help protect against and prevent the spread of germs and contamination.

After You Leave
After each appointment, surfaces are disinfected with hospital-grade cleaners, and tools are sterilized after each use. Air filters are also placed throughout the office to increase ventilation and help to keep the air clean and safe for your visit.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives and this includes your visits to our office. Even with the pandemic, it is important to attend your scheduled appointments as delaying treatment or pushing back appointments can affect your orthodontic treatment plan or allow underlying conditions to progress and worsen. We take pride in our safety measures to ensure your health and safety. For more information on our safety precautions or to schedule an appointment, contact Rockland Orthodontics today.

From a young age, we are taught the importance of taking care of our teeth with brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and other painful oral conditions, but poor oral hygiene can lead to more than a toothache. Did you know that your oral health and general health are connected?

Research shows that poor oral health can be associated with several major health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. This information is especially important for patients who are undergoing or considering orthodontic treatment, as appliances sometimes increase bacterial growth in your mouth which may lead to complications. Fortunately, our team is here to ensure your oral health is well managed so that your smile can remain happy and healthy.

How can my oral health affect my general health?

Your mouth can be a window into your body’s overall health and wellness as many signs of infection, nutritional deficiencies, and warning signs of serious health conditions often present themselves in your oral health. Your mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some good and some bad. The overgrowth of bad bacteria can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.

Gum disease is a condition where bacterial growth within the mouth results in an infection of the surrounding and supporting soft tissue of teeth. One of the most common causes of gum disease is the build-up of plaque that hardens into tartar which can only be removed by professionals. This buildup irritates the gums causing them to become swollen, red, and recede. As they recede higher, the infection continues to spread and can lead to eventual tooth and bone loss.

Braces and other orthodontic appliances provide extra surface areas in the mouth for harmful bacteria to grow. We understand brushing and flossing can become difficult with braces in the way, however, it is a vital part of maintaining your oral health and hygiene. Failing to brush and floss daily with braces can impact your treatment, oral health, and increase your risk for other conditions.

Conditions Associated with Gum Disease

Harmful bacteria and infection can easily spread from the mouth to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. For patients with gum disease, the added bacteria in your mouth can increase your risk for infections and certain health conditions including the following:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood sugar and pressure
• Obesity
• Respiratory conditions

Although gum disease may contribute to these conditions, it is important to note that just because these conditions may occur at the same time, does not mean that one directly caused the other. Studies show that conditions that lower your body’s resistance to infection are likely to increase your risk for other health complications including oral health conditions.

Signs

Common signs of gum disease may include the following:

• Bad breath
• Frequent mouth infections
• Gums that bleed when you floss or brush
• Loose teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Swollen, red, and tender gums
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth

If you notice any of these symptoms, bring them to our attention as these signs may be signs of gum disease or other serious health conditions.

Orthodontic Care and Good Oral Health Practices

If you have gum disease or a serious condition that can increase your risk of bacterial infections, orthodontic treatment may or not be possible. In moderate to severe cases, gum disease can cause your teeth to shift into undesirable positions during treatment. In other cases, the inflammation of gums may cause bleeding and sores due to friction against the appliances during treatment which can lead to infection. These complications may cause treatment to stop early to avoid increasing patient risk of infection. However, that doesn’t mean that if you are diabetic and have gum disease you are unable to receive orthodontic care. We will conduct a thorough evaluation of your teeth to determine the best course of treatment for your needs to ensure your oral health. Always tell your oral health care team about any changes in your health, especially if you have other health conditions such as lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease as well as any medications you are on as these may affect your treatment and oral health.

To best protect your mouth, it is important to practice good oral health practices regularly and attend routine professional cleanings throughout the year. You should brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a 45-degree angle with an ADA-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that can’t be removed with brushing and we recommend patients floss at least once a day. You should replace your toothbrush every three months or once the bristles begin to break down.

Though brushing and floss can be your main defense against oral complications, routine exams and cleanings are also important as our staff is trained to identify and treat oral health conditions and look for signs that may cause concern. For more information about the importance of your oral health or to schedule an appointment, please contact Rockland Orthodontics today.

When you have orthodontic treatment, a significant portion of your teeth may be covered allowing food particles to easily get trapped between your teeth and behind brackets, wires, and rubber bands. During your treatment, we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to remember to floss your teeth daily when you have braces or other orthodontic appliances.

Why is Flossing Important?

Brushing only removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, while flossing works to remove plaque from areas of your teeth your toothbrush can’t reach such as between teeth and underneath the gumline to keep your oral health in check. This is important if you have traditional orthodontic treatment as your appliance may prevent your toothbrush from fully brushing the surface of your teeth.

If you do not remove plaque daily, it can harden into tartar and increase your risk for gum inflammation and gum disease, which are two common dental conditions often associated with not flossing enough. To keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, you should make flossing a part of your daily routine. It doesn’t matter if you floss at night or in the morning, it is just important that you do so at least once a day.

When teeth touch, the narrow space between them can only be cleaned through flossing. As soon as children have teeth that touch one another, it is time to help them floss. By starting early, you protect their smile as they grow and help to instill good oral health habits.

Flossing with Braces

Braces and other orthodontic appliances provide extra surface areas in the mouth for plaque to grow. We understand flossing can become difficult with braces in the way, however, it is a vital part of maintaining your oral health and hygiene. Failing to floss daily with braces can impact your treatment and oral health negatively and may lead to the following dental health concerns:

• Bad breath
• Cavities
• Discolored teeth
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay

Tools to Make Flossing Easier

There is no doubt that flossing with braces can become a daunting task when navigating between wires and brackets. However, there are several flossing options that can help make the process easier.

• Dental Tape- If your gums are sensitive, dental tape can be an ideal flossing method. Dental tape is an ultrathin floss and that is smooth, waxed, and spongy. This tape is thinner and wider than traditional floss allowing it to glide between teeth more easily.
• Floss Threaders- Floss threaders are tools that can speed up the traditional flossing process by helping pull floss between the brackets and wires.
• Interdental Brushes- Proxy brushes, or interdental brushes, are round/cone-shaped brushes with small bristles made of silicone or nylon held together by a wire. This flexible brush is designed to fit in-between your teeth and comes in a variety of sizes so that you can select the one (or ones) that work best for your teeth.
• Oral Irrigators- Oral irrigators, or water flossers, use a steady stream of water to clean between the teeth and along your gum line. Some brands of oral irrigators offer special tips for patients with orthodontic appliances that enable them to clean around brackets easier than the standard tips.
• Traditional Floss- This method can be difficult for patients with braces as threading floss around the brackets and wires takes time. We recommend using wax-coated single-strand floss that can easily be maneuvered between your braces.

If you find flossing with braces difficult, our orthodontic team can demonstrate various flossing types and methods that work well with braces. We will work with you to find the one that works best for you. We recommend patients floss at least once a day and follow up with an interdental brush to clean under the wires and around the brackets.

It is normal to feel some discomfort and notice bleeding when you first start to floss. After flossing regularly for a few weeks, your gums will feel better and the bleeding will stop. If you continue to experience discomfort, you may need to consult your dentist. For more information on how to floss with braces or to schedule an appointment, contact Rockland Orthodontics today.

Braces, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances help to straighten your smile but can make it difficult to keep your teeth clean. During orthodontic treatment it is important to clean between brackets and wires helps to remove leftover food particles and reduce plaque buildup. Without proper oral hygiene practices during your treatment, you are putting yourself at risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and decalcification. Adding a mouthwash to your routine can help to further protect your teeth and ensure they stay healthy during treatment. There are various types of mouthwashes on the market, so we’ve decided to offer some advice on mouthwashes to help you decide which is right for you and your oral care routine.

Is Mouthwash Safe To Use With Braces?

Of course! Similar to floss, mouthwashes are capable of cleaning areas of your teeth that your toothbrush just can’t reach. As you know, orthodontic appliances have the potential to allow plaque to build up, which is why it is so important to stay on top of your oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing at night. Mouthwashes can contain antibacterial ingredients that reduce build up between the teeth, brackets, and wires. This helps to keep your teeth clean and reduce the potential for staining or discoloration which can be a concern during orthodontic treatment.

It is important to note that though mouthwash can be beneficial, it is not an absolute necessity. If you already practice good oral hygiene habits and are diligent in cleaning the hard to reach areas with your orthodontics, you should be fine without it. Still, adding an oral rinse to your routine isn’t a bad idea. We recommend patients speak with their dentist before purchasing mouthwash to ensure they use the best products for their oral health.

Selecting The Right Mouthwash

Generally, we recommend patients select an anti-cavity fluoride mouthwash. This will protect your teeth from the harmful acid produced by bacterial plaque and the fluoride will be absorbed into your teeth to strengthen your enamel against tooth decay and cavities. An advanced fluoride formula will also reduce the change of discoloration under the braces. Be sure you speak with your dentist first to avoid excessive fluoride intake as you may receive a healthy amount in your toothpaste and water.

There are many products to choose from, so when selecting your mouthwash consider your personal oral health goals. Are you wanting to tackle bad breath? Or is plaque and gum disease more your concern? There are two main types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic.

• Therapeutic mouthwashes are formulated with medicinal ingredients to improve your oral health in some way by lowering bacterial build-up to help reduce your risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and tooth decay. These are available over the counter and by prescription from your dentist.
• Cosmetic mouthwashes are designed specifically to control bad breath and leave a pleasant taste in your mouth afterward.

Regardless of what mouthwash you choose, remember that mouthwashes are meant to support good brushing and flossing habits; they should not be used as a substitute cleaning method.

A Proper Routine

Mouthwash should be used after brushing and flossing properly. If your orthodontist has fitted you with elastics, remove them during the cleaning process. Brush with a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums in a small circular motion. Brush in and around all of the brackets and wires, ensuring that you get underneath the wires as well. Your orthodontist may recommend using special cleaning aids such as interdental brushes or floss threaders to help you clean your teeth efficiently. If you have elastics, replace your elastics as instructed by your orthodontist.

After brushing and flossing, rinse with your dentist-approved mouthwash. Read the label and follow the instructions. Most mouthwashes require you to swish the solution around for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do not swallow the rinse as some of the ingredients can be harmful if ingested. For the mouthwash to work correctly, you should wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or smoking. This will help to prevent tooth decay and white spots.

If you are curious about adding a mouthwash to your daily routine, ask your dentist about which would be right for you. Mouthwash can be used to help with various conditions such as bad breath, tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and discolored teeth just to name a few. For more information on mouthwash or to schedule a consultation, contact Rockland Orthodontics today.