Floss by hand or use a battery powered flossing machine, once a day to get out all the stuff your toothbrush misses.

Minimize foods and drinks loaded with sugar which is a key ingredient in white spot and cavity formation.

Rinse with a plaque and gingivitis fighting mouth rinse like Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash or Crest Pro Health Rinse for 30 seconds twice a day.

Have your teeth evaluated and professionally cleaned by your family dentist at least twice a year. 

Wear a mouth guard during sports especially contact sports.

Wear your retainer after your braces are removed to keep your teeth from moving out of alignment. If you slip up and don't wear your retainer enough to keep your teeth as straight as you want them, go back and see your orthodontist. Orthodontists know that you are only human and that you are not the first patient who has needed help to get back on track. Maybe your present retainer just needs an adjustment; maybe you need an appliance of a different design to recover; or maybe you need to go back into braces briefly. Your orthodontist has seen and heard it all before, so give your orthodontist a chance to help you.

Avoid tongue piercing which can crack teeth, introduce bacteria into your blood causing systemic infection and irritate your gums causing gum recession.

Wear a night guard if you have a tooth grinding habit .

Avoid using smoking and chewing tobacco.
 
 

You may schedule an orthodontic appointment with Dr. William Trepp in his Pasadena, MD office by calling 410.696.4624 or in his Clinton, MD office by calling  301.868.6200. Written inquiries should be mailed to: 3020 Mountain RD, Pasadena, MD 21122, USA or 8918 Woodyard RD, Clinton, MD 20735, USA