Dangers of Soda on your Teeth

At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics office in Orland Park, we encourage our patients to drink more water and less soda. Soda is unhealthy for your teeth because the bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugar to create acids.  When acid is created it feeds off your tooth enamel which is there to protect your teeth and leads to tooth decay.

To limit the amount of damage soda does to your teeth, we advise our patients to drink soda with a straw. Using a straw will limit the amount of sugar that rests on your teeth and causes harm. Every time you drink soda, the acid eats away at your tooth enamel for about 20 minutes. If possible, you should brush your teeth after drinking soda or rinse your mouth with water.  

Regardless of how much soda you drink, we want all of our patients to brush twice a day to fight tooth decay. If you quit soda and use a healthier alternative such as water or tea your teeth will be healthier and you will have your best smile!

To learn more about all of the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.drcynthiawong.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341. 

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a mouth rinse that is used to prevent cavities and acid from damaging your teeth along with fighting bad breath. Our staff at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages our patients to add mouthwash to your daily oral health care routine. Fluoride is a mineral in mouthwashes that makes your teeth stronger and is resistant to decay caused by acid and bacteria. It can be difficult to get rid of all the bacteria and debris on your teeth with braces, which is why we recommend mouthwash to help keep your teeth cleaner.

A traditional over-the-counter mouthwash is usually for making your breath smell better. At Fresh Meadows Dental, we advise our patients to use fluoride mouthwash that will protect your teeth from cavities and acts as an enamel-protecting your teeth.

For you to benefit the most from mouthwash, we advise our patients to you use mouthwash at the same time every day to be the most effective. Remember to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using.

Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, we want you to have your best smile!

To learn more about all of the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.drcynthiawong.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341. 

When to Replace Your Toothbrush

You may know when to replace your shoes, but do you know how often you should be replacing your toothbrush? With cold and flu season in full-force, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages patients to ditch the toothbrush after coming in contact with a virus to avoid spreading germs. This isn’t the only time during the year to replace your toothbrush, allow us to explain why.

Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months or the moment those bristles become frayed. Frayed bristles can cause abrasion to the gums and may make teeth more sensitive than they already are. A toothbrush should always be kept in a dry place facing upright so that the brush is able to air dry. Always keep your toothbrush away from others to avoid cross-contamination.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, 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.

Nighttime Oral Care

You may brush your teeth in the morning to eliminate rancid morning breath, but what about brushing your teeth before bed? Brushing your teeth before hitting the hay is very important and Dr. Cynthia Wong would like to explain why. When we sleep, our saliva flow slows down and saliva is what’s used to wash away food particles that cause bad breath and tooth decay. If you currently don’t brush before bed, it’s never too late to implement a nighttime oral care routine.

After we eat, plaque sits on our teeth, and if this plaque sits on your teeth all night, it can potentially lead to gingivitis and even more severe forms of periodontal disease. Each time you brush your teeth you should be using fluoride toothpaste that has the ADA seal of approval. You should always go to sleep with a clean mouth, because this will reduce morning breath odor when you wake up. Dr. Cynthia Wong understands that sometimes we are too exhausted to brush, floss, rinse, etc. which is why she recommends keeping a toothbrush near your nightstand and give those pearly whites a quick sweep before your head hits the pillow because a dry brush is better than none at all.

If you have questions or concerns about your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Electric vs Manual Toothbrush

Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, Dr. Cynthia Wong isn’t picky about what type of toothbrush you use because the important thing is that you are brushing your teeth correctly. However, our staff thought we would tell explain how brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush compares to manual brushing.

It’s possible to brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush. However, an electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to a manual one, especially if you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush well. Although almost any toothbrush can do an effective job, research suggests there is one electronic toothbrush bristle configuration that seems to be better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease. If you choose an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is comfortable to hold and easy to use. It’s important to remember that the purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque and to stimulate the gums to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual one, remember that what’s most important is daily brushing and flossing.

If you have questions about oral hygiene with, or without braces, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.