Preventing Bad Breath

At Dr. Cynthia Wong’s orthodontic practice in Orland Park, we endeavor to make our patients’ treatment as comfortable as possible in all aspects, including odor. While we hope our patients know how to clean their orthodontic devices, the increased risk of dry mouth makes it especially important that they keep up with their oral hygiene, as well.

Saliva is one of the body’s most important defense mechanisms against tooth-decay causing bacteria. When saliva production slows down or is insufficient, bacteria are able to grow out of control, causing a bad odor.

Typically, when people suffer from dry mouth, chewing sugar-free gum is one of the recommended ways of increasing saliva production. But this isn’t an option for people with braces and is impractical for people wearing aligners or retainers. Another option is to use a throat moisturizer, which can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed for people suffering severe dryness. It is also helpful to reduce consumption of sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages and to quit smoking and using tobacco products. Of course, drinking more water and using a humidifier are the most reliable ways of preventing dry mouth.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit DrCynthiaWong.com and send a message.

 

Cleaning Removable Retainers

Keeping a removable retainer clean isn’t just a matter of oral health; it’s also a matter of aesthetics. Many patients at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s orthodontic practice in Orland Park desire clear retainers, and nobody wants theirs to stink, so we’ve put this together this guide on keeping retainers clean.

Rinse retainers frequently, but only do so with warm water. Water that is very hot could warp the plastic, making the retainer unusable. Use a separate toothbrush for scrubbing the retainer. You can use soap or a cleaning solution designed for dentures on it, but avoid using toothpaste used for natural teeth. Toothpaste contains gritty substances which the retainer has no defense against and which could scratch it (unlike the surfaces of your teeth, which are harder and have a protective film).

You have to scrub a retainer thoroughly to prevent tartar build-up and bad odors. However, if you do notice plaque accumulating, you can bring it to us for help. Although soft-bristled toothbrushes shouldn’t hurt a retainer, it is possible to damage one by scrubbing it too hard. It will be easier to clean your retainer if you do not allow it to dry out first. Always rinse your retainer well before putting it back in.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit DrCynthiaWong.com and send a message.

 

Wisdom Teeth Headaches

Are you constantly waking up with facial pain or experiencing headaches more often than usual? If you’ve answered yes to one or both of these symptoms, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics would like you to ask yourself another question. Are your wisdom teeth still intact? Wisdom teeth that are located under the gum line (impacted) can be a cause for concern. Learn why extraction is the best way to treat the problem.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they raise the risk of developing an infection. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth don’t usually emerge without extraction. Because they stay under the gum, they can grow sideways and even at an angle, pushing on a nerve causing wisdom teeth headaches. Wisdom teeth extraction is recommended between the ages of 17-22, but Dr. Cynthia Wong will remove them if necessary, regardless of age.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month

Who knew that there was a month that revolves all around dental hygiene awareness? October is National Dental Hygiene Month and Dr. Cynthia Wong wants to encourage patients to celebrate. It’s important to know that you should be practicing proper oral hygiene habits for 12 months out of the year, instead of only one, and we’d like to offer some tips to help you better your dental health.

Most adults and children find brushing their teeth for two minutes, boring. To make brushing more fun, play a song that lasts at least two minutes so that you can rock out while cleaning your teeth. Additionally, try to make it a goal to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day on a daily basis. You should always schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics to ensure optimal oral health.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.