Silver Spring Dentist Stresses The Importance Of Oral Hygiene Practices And Orthodontia Devices

    SILVER SPRING, MD, November 06, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Some people don't understand how important it is to brush and floss on a daily basis, especially orthodontic patients. Hygiene issues can cause problems during and after treatment, which may put a damper on your straight smile. Continue reading to understand the importance of properly cleaning your braces. Dr. David Rever gives some great facts about braces and oral hygiene and cleaning tips.

"It's true that some patients put hygiene on the back burner when it comes to brushing and flossing. Some even believe a quick once over with a toothbrush and a swish of mouthwash will keep their mouth healthy. Most do a good job of keeping their teeth clean, but for the few who don't, they run the risk of doing unintended damage to their smiles," said Dr. Rever, Silver Spring dentist.

If patients continue bad dental habits, they might notice tiny white spots on the surface of their teeth after braces are taken off. This is called demineralization, and it's something patients need to be careful of. Demineralization occurs when food particles combine with bacteria to create acid residue. Once the acid accumulates around the brackets, it breaks down calcium and phosphate on the teeth, which causes the appearance of tiny white spots or streaks. Some people blame their braces for causing these troublesome white marks, but it all falls under improper brushing and flossing. Patients who have traditional or clear braces will need to be extra careful with their cleaning.

Besides discoloration of the teeth, bad oral hygiene can cause gingivitis and bad breath (halitosis), so it's important to follow Dr. Rever's, cosmetic dentist in Silver Spring, instructions for properly caring for braces in Silver Spring. Gingivitis is treatable and preventable, but braces wearers need to be diligent and make sure to gently and thoroughly clean near the gum lines. Otherwise, patients will have inflamed and tender gums, and some patients may experience bleeding. When bacteria feed on leftover food particles in a patient's mouth, it leaves a bad odor. To eliminate bad breath, braces wearers have to brush and floss with more care.

While cleaning is the major concern, bad eating habits also put oral health at risk. Dr. Rever is concerned about the amount of acidic foods and drinks that patients consume. Everyone is vulnerable against these types of foods, but braces wearers will run into more difficulty because brackets and wires easily trap particles. Some acidic drinks include soda, juice and sports drinks. Foods that make Dr. Rever's list of least tooth-friendly are berries, tomatoes, dressings, pickles and highly-processed carbohydrates.

To combat demineralization, gingivitis and bad breath, patients need to use the proper dental tools: toothbrush, floss and mouthwash. Brushing removes the bigger pieces of food, and floss gets between the brackets, wires and near the gumline. However, floss can be a tricky tool for patients who have braces. Dr. Rever recommends carefully using floss picks to get difficult pieces near the wires. Orthodontic floss threaders make it easier for orthodontic patients to get floss underneath the main wire.

From routine dental visits to braces in Silver Spring, Dr. David Rever, Dr. Tamdan Vodinh and their experienced team of dental professionals at Advanced Total Dental Care make it their mission to treat and fix all of their patients dental needs. To schedule an appointment with Advanced Total Dental, call (301) 384-1263 or submit an appointment request on their website at www.drrever.com

Media Contact:
Dr. David Rever
[email protected]
13915 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904
(301) 384-1263
http://www.drrever.com

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