Oral health tips teen boy with orthodontic team

Oral Health Tips

Keeping Your Smile Healthy & Bright

At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, our goal is for you to have a beautiful, healthy smile. One of the key components to a healthy smile is excellent oral hygiene, especially for patients in orthodontic treatment. Wearing braces naturally increases plaque buildup by providing plenty of places for food particles and bacteria to become trapped. Check out some of our helpful oral health tips below to prevent damaging your appliances and keep your mouth clean!

Benefits Of Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene During Braces

Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is essential in preventing common dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can be exacerbated by braces or aligners trapping food particles and plaque. It reduces the risk of developing white spots or decalcification on teeth, a common side effect of prolonged orthodontic treatment. When you actively keep your teeth and gums clean, it can also minimize discomfort and inflammation, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable treatment experience. A healthy oral environment supports optimal tooth movement and alignment, potentially shortening the overall treatment time and leading to better long-term results.

Expert Oral Health Tips During Orthodontic Treatment

At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we look forward to helping you achieve a new, beautiful smile through our orthodontic services. In order to achieve the best possible smile, excellent oral hygiene is required during your time in treatment. Some tips to follow include:

Cleaning around brackets and wires can be challenging. That’s why we recommend using a soft bristle toothbrush to tackle those hard to reach spaces! Don’t forget to brush your teeth morning and night with toothpaste.

We understand flossing can be trickier with brackets and wires. We recommend using an orthodontic floss or a floss threader to clean between teeth and under the wires to make sure plaque and food particles are removed.

If you are having trouble threading floss between teeth even with threaders, we encourage using a water flosser to gently remove food particles in hard to reach places.

An antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help reduce plaque, prevent gum disease and strengthen tooth enamel.

Limit foods that can damage braces, such as chewy candies, gum, nuts, and hard fruits or vegetables.

Reduce intake of sugary foods and beverages that can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and bacteria, and to keep your mouth moist.

Visit one of our dentists regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups to monitor oral health and address any issues promptly.

Wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth from injury during physical activities.

Expert Oral Health Tips For Cleaning Aligners

Keeping your aligners clean will help keep your oral hygiene in tip-top shape during orthodontic treatment. Follow the tips below to keep your aligners as clean as possible:

Brush Gently

Use a soft bristle toothbrush and clear, unscented antibacterial soap or toothpaste to gently brush your aligners to make sure all surfaces are clean without causing scratches.

It’s a good idea to wash your aligners with water when you remove them to clean them up and prevent saliva and plaque from building up.

Never use hot water to clean or soak your aligners, as it can warp the plastic and compromise the fit and effectiveness.

Clean your aligner case regularly with warm water and soap to prevent the transfer of bacteria to your aligners.

Refrain from eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners to prevent staining.

Soak Daily

Soak your aligners daily in a cleaning solution designed for clear aligners or a mixture of water and clear, unscented antibacterial soap to keep them fresh and free of bacteria.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your aligners to avoid introducing bacteria and dirt.

We want your aligners to stay in their best condition so that they can be as effective as possible during your treatment. Regularly check your aligners for any signs of damage or discoloration and promptly report any issues to our team.

When you are not wearing them, always store your aligners in their designated case to protect them from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Great oral hygiene habits are one of the best ways to protect your smile, especially during orthodontic treatment. Whether you have braces, clear aligners or simply want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, our team is happy to help with these oral health tips. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from patients and parents at Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics.

Our pediatric dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head about every three months, sometimes sooner if the bristles are worn. Braces can cause toothbrushes to wear out more quickly, making it harder to remove plaque effectively. Our team can also recommend orthodontic-friendly toothbrushes and other tools to help keep your smile clean throughout treatment.

Don’t worry, it happens to everyone! Try rinsing with water first, then use an orthodontic brush, floss threader or water flosser to gently remove trapped food. Avoid using sharp objects like toothpicks that could damage your braces or irritate your gums. If you’re having trouble, give our team a call! We’re always happy to offer guidance.

Yes. Healthy teeth and gums allow your teeth to move more efficiently during treatment. If plaque buildup leads to cavities, swollen gums or other dental concerns, additional treatment may be needed before orthodontic care can continue as planned. Following your daily oral hygiene routine and attending regular dental checkups can help keep your treatment on track.

Water flossers make a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, especially for patients with braces. They help flush away food particles and plaque around brackets and wires. However, they work best alongside traditional flossing methods rather than replacing them completely. During your visit, our pediatric dentists and Dr. Mary Ritter can show you the best techniques for keeping every area of your smile clean.

The best routine is one that’s consistent and encouraging. Parents can help younger children brush and floss until they’re able to do so thoroughly on their own, set regular morning and bedtime routines and make oral hygiene a positive part of the day. At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Jessica Corriel, Dr. Meenakshi Madhu, Dr. Stephanie Fanelli and Dr. Mary Ritter enjoy partnering with families to teach healthy habits and oral health tips that support confident smiles for years to come.

Smile Brightly At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics

At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, our goal is to help our patients receive high-quality pediatric dental and orthodontic care. By keeping excellent oral health during your orthodontic treatment, you can maintain your beautiful smile for years to come. We encourage you to follow these oral health tips—so you can smile brightly! For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Rapsberry square and periwinkle circle

Healthy Smiles Start at Commerce Park

Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care

We are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for all ages. Our inclusive approach and experienced team provide low-stress visits and a friendly environment. Get started at one of our three convenient locations!

Early treatment girl thumbs up sunglasses

Healthy Smiles Start at Commerce Park

Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care For The Whole Family

We are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for the whole family. Our inclusive approach and experienced team provide low-stress visits and a friendly environment. Get started at one of our three convenient locations!

Bridgeport

4702 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606
(203) 371-8282

Shelton

27 Huntington St., Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 371-8282

Westport

1580 Post Rd. E, Westport, CT 06880
(203) 371-8282

Commerce park logo

Helpful Links