After the many months of delicious feasts and fun holidays, it's that time of year when we see a lot of patients making New Year's Resolutions to better themselves and their lives. The team at the UNLV Orthodontic Clinic loves to hear how people are starting off the New Year, but while many people are joining the gym or finally starting that new hobby, there's one important resolution we want to encourage everyone to try, especially anyone with braces or Invisalign: keeping your teeth healthy by practicing proper oral hygiene. It's much easier than it sounds and we are here to help. Here are a few simple things you can do that will greatly increase the health and beauty of your smile – and make for a smooth orthodontic treatment!
Brush & Floss Regularly
This is one of the easiest and most important resolutions to make. Brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of oral hygiene, and when you have braces, Invisalign or any other orthodontic treatment, it's even more important that a strict thorough routine is followed. During treatment, it's critical that you brush every morning, after every meal, and before bed, and floss at least once a day. Flossing with braces can be a challenge, so we recommend trying special "threader floss" - floss that comes in single-use packets with one end reinforced to be firm, so you can easily thread it under your archwire.
Say No to Sugar
This might already been on your resolutions radar, but cutting down on sugar helps more than just your physical health as it's also very important for your oral health. Sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods interact with bacteria in your mouth to form acids that eat away at tooth enamel, and when you have braces, this can accumulate and cause serious problems. Stop the problem before it begins by cutting down on sugary foods.
Call it Quits
Another common New Year's resolution is quitting smoking. It's no secret that it's terrible for your physical health – but did you know that it can also wreak havoc on teeth and orthodontic treatment? To stop the damage and safeguard your investment, the best choice is to quit. We know it's difficult, but it's possible, and one tough change today will make a huge change on your oral and overall health.
Contact Your Las Vegas Orthodontic Team
Have more questions about keeping your teeth healthy this year? We're here to help! Feel free to call us at 702-774-2690 and schedule an appointment in our Las Vegas office. We hope to see you back at this blog for more tips and info on maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile!