Promoting Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

How can we help ourselves and our children have a successful orthodontic or braces treatment that is free of cavities, gum overgrowth, heavy calculus buildup, bleeding, and inflammation? It is a team effort between the dental home, the orthodontist, the patient, and the parent of the patient (in the case of minors).

As a dental hygienist, I have been curious about why most patients with braces struggle with their oral hygiene. To find out where the gap in treatment is and how we can help, I started asking more questions during my discussions with patients. Here are some interesting findings:

Initial vs. Subsequent Visits

Many patients mentioned that their orthodontist office only discussed oral hygiene during their first visit and did not revisit the topic in subsequent visits. This lack of consistent reinforcement can lead to poor oral hygiene habits over time.

Role of Orthodontists

Patients stated that it would help if their orthodontist discussed and pushed for better oral hygiene consistently. Regular reminders and guidance from orthodontists can make a significant difference in maintaining good oral health during treatment.

Parental Involvement

Patients also mentioned that it would be beneficial if their parents were educated on the importance of good oral hygiene with braces. Parents play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging their children to maintain proper oral hygiene practices.

While my sample size is small, and I acknowledge that there are parents and orthodontists who work hard to ensure patients are well taken care of, the effects of poor oral hygiene with braces far outweigh the desire for straight teeth. We cannot relent in our efforts when it comes to promoting oral hygiene with braces.

Let us work together to ensure that every patient with braces receives the best possible care and support for their oral health.

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