Benefits of Having Good Oral Hygiene

good oral hygiene is a must with braces

Good oral hygiene habits are something that should always be part of your daily routine, just like taking a shower or tidying your room. Even if you think you already have good oral hygiene habits, chances are you could benefit from making an effort to improve them. This is particularly important if you have braces on or have recently gotten them off. Here are the benefits of having good oral hygiene.

Your breath will smell fresh
No one wants their breath to be stinky, and brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to prevent this from happening. When you don't clean your mouth regularly, small pieces of food can decompose in your mouth and cause an unpleasant odor. It's particularly important to be aware of this when you have braces since there are more nooks and crannies for your teeth to get stuck in.

Your teeth will be brighter and more even
Another benefit to taking care of your teeth is that they will have a nice even tone. Brushing your teeth after meals helps to prevent food and drinks from permanently staining your teeth. It can also prevent your teeth from looking spotty by keeping them all the same tone. This is a common problem that people experience after getting braces off - they have white spots in certain places because they didn't clean their teeth thoroughly enough to prevent staining.

It prevents painful dental conditions later on
If you don't take care of your teeth, you are much more likely to experience serious dental issues later in life. If you don't brush and floss every day, it could lead to painful gum irritation and bleeding, as well as cavities and other painful conditions. By taking care of your teeth while you're young, you can prevent oral discomfort as you get older.

If you're not sure how to take care of your teeth while you have braces on, be sure to talk to your orthodontist. They will show you how to effectively clean your teeth and give you tips to make the process easier. Once you make good oral hygiene a habit, you'll notice that your teeth will look and feel great.