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When you start wearing braces, it can become a challenge to clean certain areas of your mouth. If these areas are neglected for long periods of time, though, decay and stains can form on your teeth.

Your mouth will require extra attention while you have your braces on. This can include using a special toothbrush to reach those spots, flossing every day, getting fluoride treatments, avoiding certain foods, and making sure to visit your dentist. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to prevent decay during treatment.

When you get your braces on, Drs. Suzan Ekim, and Heather Horton will give you an interdental toothbrush that can be used to get to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. The brush has bristles that can easily remove food residue stuck between the wires in your mouth. We may also suggest using a WaterPik, which pulses a pressurized stream of water to remove excess food particles.

Brushing and flossing every day should always be a part of your oral health regimen, but this becomes especially crucial when you have braces. If food gets stuck between braces and sits on your teeth, decay and staining will start to occur. Drs. Suzan Ekim, and Heather Horton and our team recommend flossing at least once a day, and brushing and using mouthwash after every meal as long as you have braces.

If you don’t have the time, make sure at least to swish your mouth really well with water after you eat. It’s especially important to follow these steps after consuming sugary foods or beverages. It’s best to avoid sweets altogether when you have braces.

Making sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine cleaning can also help to prevent any decay from damaging your teeth while your teeth are encased in braces. Your dentist will remove any plaque or tartar that’s built up since your last cleaning.

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy during orthodontic care with braces. Follow these tips and you’ll keep your teeth beautiful and healthy for the day your new smile is finally revealed!

More than one patient has come into our office and asked, “What can I do to help my teeth when wearing Invisalign?”

While everyone’s teeth and dental needs are different, there are certain things everyone can do to make wearing their Invisalign aligners a more rewarding experience. Always follow the list of instructions and tips from Drs. Suzan Ekim, and Heather Horton, and add the following advice to your daily routine.

Always ask us about teeth whitening. Our team at Ekim Orthodontics knows how important it is for you to keep your teeth white and stain-free from the foods and drinks you consume daily. If you have attachments to your teeth, they will not whiten properly. Ask our office about teeth whitening when wearing your aligners; it might be best to wait until your treatment is complete.

Continue flossing every day. You should be flossing in any case. But it can be easy to assume that Invisalign will protect your teeth from bacteria. This is not true. Bacteria can get behind the aligners and affect the health of your teeth and gums, so keep up with your flossing schedule.

Follow the 48-hour rule when wearing your aligners. When you insert every new set of aligners, you should leave them in as much as possible during the first 48 hours. Your teeth will move more during this timeframe, and the aligners do the most good during this time.

You may experience slight discomfort while wearing your Invisalign aligners. You can take a pain reliever to help with the discomfort, but if you experience too much pain, please give us a call at our convenient Prior Lake, and Burnsville office to schedule an appointment!

Did you know October is National Orthodontic Month? We love any opportunity to educate our patients a little more on the ins and outs of what we do! In short, orthodontics is a specialty discipline of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of the teeth and jaws to improve a person’s smile and oral health. The reason for this is because crooked teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean and are at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Ekim has made it her mission to ensure that never happens, and it all started years ago.

She completed her orthodontic residency at our very own The University of Minnesota and continued on as full-time Faculty for the following nearly 10 years. Dr. Ekim shares what made her decide to pursue a career in orthodontics: "At a young age, I was interested in being an orthodontist as I noticed the scientific and artistic pieces to the profession. I feel very fortunate to be working every day in a field where I can help people, make a difference, show excellence in skills, and work amongst such talented team members. I am honored to see my patients enjoy their results and their smiles."

With hundreds of smiling patients, she is certainly fulfilling her mission! Considering orthodontic treatment? Then something to know about orthodontics is that it’s a gradual change to your facial appearance and dental function. A proper diagnosis of the problems to solve, along with a discussion of the goals that are attainable, are important as part of the planning process.  At Ekim Orthodontics, we have a history of excellent planning and execution of that plan for over 12 years. Whether it's braces, Invisalign, or retainers, Dr. Ekim and her team understand the importance of diagnosis and listening to their patients.

We hope to see you in our office soon!

Having teeth encased in braces can be discouraging during Halloween. If you or your child has braces, there are certain candies to avoid this holiday season—and in general—while you have braces. Candy can be tempting, especially for children.

But don’t worry; other sweet treat options can readily take their place. Take a look at the American Association of Orthodontists’ tips on how to keep your braces safe.

Treats to avoid because they can cause damage to your braces include:

• Hard candies
• Chewy candies
• Nuts
• Caramel
• Licorice
• Jelly beans
• Taffy
• Bubblegum
• Hard pretzels
• Popcorn

These goodies should be avoided because they have the potential to bend or break your braces. Broken brackets and loose wires can waste time and money.

Switch out hard, chewy, and sticky candies for these options in the mean time:

• Soft chocolate
• Peanut butter cups
• Gelatin treats
• Ice cream
• Smoothies
• Root beer floats
• Apple cider

Encouraging your child to stay with alternative, braces-friendly treats may prevent her from trying to eat candies that could break or damage braces. Halloween can still be fun, especially if your youngster (or you) don’t have to visit our Prior Lake, and Burnsville office get braces fixed.

Make sure to remind your child to avoid harmful candies, and encourage him to exchange treats with friends to make it more fun. Only passing out candies that children can eat safely, such as soft chocolates, can make them feel included.

Drs. Suzan Ekim, and Heather Horton and our team hope you enjoy your Halloween season, regardless of whether you are wearing braces.