Gurnee Orthodontist Offers New Brushing Techniques to Prevent Cavities During Treatment

    GURNEE, IL, May 12, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gurnee braces providers at Affiliated Dental Specialists, Dr. Richard Port and Dr. Gary Klein, tell orthodontic patients to use a modified oral hygiene routine to reduce the incidence of new cavities during treatment.

According to Klein, a Gurnee orthodontist, conventional instructions for oral hygiene are brushing twice a day, after breakfast and before bed, and rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash.

"This modified process is not complicated, so our patients find that incorporating it into their established oral hygiene practice takes only minor adjustments," said Port, who offers clients Invisalign. Gurnee orthodontists at Affiliated suggest a seven-step process:

- Use 2 cm of fluoride toothpaste on a wet toothbrush
- Spread the toothpaste evenly in both arches
- Brush carefully for 2 minutes
- Use a sip of water, or one full hand, with the toothpaste remaining in the mouth and "swish" for 30 seconds before spitting it out
- Do not do any other rinsing with water
- Avoid eating and drinking for 2 hours
- Brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed

An article published in the September 2010 issue of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics said this technique resulted in five times fewer carious lesions in the at high risk for cavities population they studied.

"This process works because the modified instructions increase how much and how long the fluoride is in the oral cavity, which is what helps protect teeth from cavity-causing bacteria," said Klein, Gurnee orthodontics provider.

Dentists and orthodontists stress the importance of proper oral health care even more during orthodontic treatment because cavities can form around the brackets and appliances, damaging teeth and causing white lesions. In addition to the modified fluoride toothpaste treatment, the Gurnee invisible braces experts, Klein and Port, tell patients to floss daily and get regular exams and cleanings for optimal oral health.

For more information about oral health and proper care of teeth during orthodontic treatment, visit the American Association of Orthodontics website.

Learn More
Call the office at (847) 263-1801 to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist or pediatric dentist. Gurnee and Vernon Hills, IL are the two locations of Affiliated Dental Specialists. For more information, visit the website at http://www.affiliateddentalspecialists.com/

About Affiliated Dental Specialists' Dentists
Affiliated Dental Specialists is a unique dental group practice, providing orthodontic treatment for all ages and pediatric dentistry for infants, adolescents, teens and the special needs population.

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