When using orthodontic appliances, **orthodontic hygiene** is very important and leads to maintaining oral and dental health. But what are the important points to follow in the protection of teeth during orthodontics? If you are looking to know the answer to this question, stay with us until the end of the article to discuss the necessity of maintaining hygiene during orthodontics, 6 methods of maintaining the hygiene of orthodontic teeth and the consequences of non-compliance. Necessity of hygiene in orthodontics In general, we all know that maintaining oral and dental hygiene is very important for every person. But orthodontic tooth hygiene is of double importance. Because orthodontic appliances, both fixed and mobile, lead to the accumulation of food particles in the mouth and ultimately the formation of platelets around the mouth. Also, the presence of braces makes it more difficult to remove platelets. Bacteria can use food sugar to produce acid on the teeth and cause ringworm, gum disease, bad breath and white spots on the teeth. For this reason, it is recommended to take dental scaling seriously before orthodontics. 6 methods of orthodontic hygiene Orthodontic care is very important and when using it, it is necessary to follow the tips related to orthodontic hygiene in order to have a better experience of this period. In the following, we will examine 6 important methods in observing oral and dental hygiene during orthodontics. ### 1. Using an orthodontic toothbrush The correct way to brush your teeth during orthodontics is very important; Because it prevents the accumulation of food between the teeth and brackets. Also, the best way to whiten teeth in orthodontics is to maintain good hygiene during this period. For orthodontic hygiene, you need to brush **4 times** during the day. These times include brushing after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner and at bedtime. One of the best tools for cleaning food residue from orthodontic brackets is an interdental brush. Using an interdental brush helps clean around and under the wires and brackets. When using an interdental toothbrush, be careful and use it slowly. In the video below, you can see how to brush orthodontic teeth: ### 2. Orthodontic flossing When using brackets, flossing requires more precision and time. It is also very important to floss every day, preferably before going to bed. The use of fixed brackets causes food to get stuck between the teeth and cause tooth decay over time. For this reason, using dental floss and pulling it under the brackets can have a great impact on oral hygiene during orthodontics. Just be careful not to put too much pressure on the floss. ### 3. Antibacterial mouthwash Orthodontic mouthwash is also very important in orthodontic hygiene. Using antibacterial mouthwash reduces inflammation of the gums and reduces infection. Rinsing the mouth with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash also reduces the irritation caused by braces. ### 4. Avoiding acidic food Eating acidic foods such as soft drinks, pineapples, tomatoes and pickles can lead to tooth enamel erosion. When using orthodontic brackets, it is better to use these foods less. Also, avoid eating hard foods; Because it may lead to breakage and damage to the brackets. ### 5. Use of products containing fluoride Using mouthwash and toothpaste with fluoride daily prevents tooth decay. For orthodontic hygiene, it is better to use fluoride in the morning and before going to bed. ### 6. Mobile orthodontic hygiene When using removable orthodontics, you need to brush and clean it every day. Movable orthodontics, like teeth, can become a place for food and platelets to accumulate. You can also use removable orthodontic cleaning tablets on a daily basis and put it in a glass of water along with the tablet. Consequences of non-compliance with orthodontic tooth hygiene - Tooth decay: Brackets are a suitable place for bacteria to accumulate, and if orthodontic hygiene is not followed, one of the primary effects is tooth decay. At first, caries may be asymptomatic, but over time, it causes pain, tooth sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss. - Gum disease: the accumulation of bacteria and platelets causes inflammation, redness, bleeding and degeneration of the gums. If these cases progress, it may also cause gum loss. Bad breath: The presence of food and bacteria around the brackets causes bad breath. - Creating white spots on teeth: Failure to observe oral hygiene in orthodontics has caused white spots to appear on teeth. These spots are identified after removing the brackets and can create an unpleasant appearance. - Tooth root decay: Failure to observe orthodontic hygiene can lead to tooth root decay. This eventually causes the tooth to become loose and lost. - Infection: Failure to observe orthodontic hygiene and the presence of sores in the mouth can ultimately cause infection. - Digestive problems: swallowing bacteria or food accumulated in the mouth can cause digestive problems. Orthodontic hygiene is very important when using brackets and plays an important role in protecting teeth. By providing quality and modern orthodontic services, Dr. Khedevi can make your mouth and teeth beautiful, and during the period of using brackets, he will give you the necessary dental care training.

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