Malocclusion and Orthodontics-Home Treatment

Malocclusion and Orthodontics - Home Treatment

During orthodontic treatment for malocclusion, it's still important to take good care of teeth at home.

Your orthodontist will give you instructions on caring for your teeth during treatment. These may include:

Avoiding sticky and hard foods, such as gum, taffy, and nuts.
Taking vitamins with fluoride.
Using a retainer -a piece of molded plastic and wire (orthodontic appliance) worn in the mouth to hold the teeth in place after orthodontic treatment-as often and as long as recommended.
Carefully brush your teeth after meals and snacks.

If your child has crooked or protruding teeth from an oral habit such as thumb-sucking, his or her teeth may begin to return to normal position when the habit stops. You can help your child stop an oral habit. For more information, see the topic Thumb-Sucking.

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

Today in Oral Care