The American Association of Orthodontics recommends to: Play it safe!
Wear a mouth guard at every practice and every game!! Mouth guards and other types of protective gear can prevent or reduce injuries that happen during organized and recreational sports.
Mouth guards offer protection by absorbing high-impact energy from potentially traumatic blows.
Mouth Guard Care
Keep your mouth guard clean - rinse before and after each use
Store in a perforated container to let your mouth guard dry out
Avoid chewing on the mouth guard
Don't wear removable retainers with your mouth guard
Replace your mouth guard when it shows signs of wear
Wish you could wrap your kids in bubble wrap to protect them?
Good news - mouth guards are better than bubble wrap for facial protection and are much more practical! Check out this video.
What's the best type of mouth guard? The one that's worn.
For athletes currently in orthodontic treatment:
Don't use a mouth guard with your braces that you boil first. It may wrap around the braces and get stuck in place, or cause damage to your braces. Also, keep in mind that the teeth are continuing to move, so you do not want to have a mouthguard specifically molded to your teeth as they are changing.
Contact the office or ask Dr. Kennell directly on what type of mouthguard you can wear.
Congratulations, your orthodontic treatment is complete! You are now in the retention phase of treatment. This can also be known as the preservation period, because you will actively be working towards preserving your new smile. When treatment is complete and orthodontic appliances are removed, there is a “settling” period in which teeth can adjust as you bite, chew, swallow and speak. These small changes in tooth position are not a failure of orthodontic treatment, but a natural process.
Your orthodontist will give you a set of retainers to be worn as prescribed. If your retainer is not worn as your orthodontist recommends, then you may have large changes in tooth position. This can be disappointing after you dedicate many months to orthodontic treatment. If you are in the retention phase of treatment and you notice any unwanted change, it is important to contact your orthodontist right away.
Retainers are a lifelong commitment. The best way to maintain your beautiful new smile is to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist!
Each February the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Monthto raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. Other options for braces such as Invisalign, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.
If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Alan Kennell and his team are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing are some of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited us lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!
Happy New Year! With a new year often comes new goals and routines, but what about oral hygiene? Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve your healthiest smile in the New Year!
Brushing
Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth using small, gentle, circular motions while positioning the head of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Flossing
Flossing after every meal will help keep your teeth and braces clean. To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire. Floss the sides of each tooth beneath the gum line to remove plaque and food particles. A water flosser can also be a helpful tool when removing food particles from your braces or orthodontic appliances!
Regular Dentist Visits
Even the best oral hygiene routine still needs to include seeing your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings! Your dentist can identify cavities and spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.
Limit Sugary Foods
Try to limit sugar intake, including sugary sports drinks and soda! Sugar contributes to more bacteria and tooth decay. Instead, try to stay hydrated with water! Water can help produce saliva, which naturally washes out the mouth and helps prevent tooth decay.
