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Show Off Your Smile | It’s National Orthodontic Health Month

Photo from the American Association of Orthodontics

Straighten Up Orthodontics is celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month with huge smiles this year! Many people recognize October as the month to collect candy in their favorite costumes, however, for Orthodontists all over the world, it’s our month to shine!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and while we can’t stop you from grabbing that scrumptious candy, we still want to give you some best practices for keeping your teeth healthy.

Teeth Care Tips for National Orthodontic Health Month

The American Association of Orthodontist has provided numerous tips for keeping your teeth healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as choosing the best candy this year while you go trick-or-treating.

  1. Whether you have braces or clear aligners, keeping your teeth clean is a top priority! Aim for brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day. And if you are consuming candy, make sure to brush your teeth afterward to remove any leftover sugar.
  2. Wear your elastics and retainers as prescribed to keep your orthodontic treatment on track. If you have run out of elastics, or your retainer needs to be replaced, contact Dr. Wiltshire immediately.
  3. Avoid foods, candies, and drinks that can alter your orthodontic treatment. Hard and sticky foods could potentially break or bend brackets, while sugary foods and drinks could lead to cavities. If you *must* have a piece of candy, choose softer options that can melt in your mouth like chocolates or marshmallows. Avoid options with hard and sticky features like nuts, taffy, and caramel.

Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month

Straighten Up Orthodontics is happy to share these tips and tricks with you; however, if you have questions for Dr. Wiltshire, don’t hesitate to ask!

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general orthodontic topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please contact Dr. Wiltshire or your other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.