Why oral hygiene is critical during orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is increasingly common for both children and adults in the UK, helping to improve function, cleansability, and aesthetics. However, achieving and maintaining oral hygiene during treatment can be a significant challenge.
- Clear aligners can harbour pathogenic bacteria linked to caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and enamel demineralisation. Biofilm levels increase after just 7–14 days of wear.
- Fixed appliances trap food debris around brackets and wires, leading to biofilm accumulation and increased risk of periodontal disease. Studies show oral status deteriorates in up to 60% of patients with fixed appliances.
If oral hygiene is neglected, the benefits of orthodontic treatment may be undermined by preventable plaque-related conditions.
Patient education: overcoming barriers
Many patients lack sufficient oral health literacy - over 40% of UK adults struggle to fully understand everyday health advice, and up to 60% find numeracy-based health information difficult.
This makes clear communication from dental professionals essential. Effective strategies include:
- Using visual aids or videos to demonstrate oral hygiene techniques.
- Providing written instructions or diagrams to reinforce advice.
- Setting realistic expectations about the extra effort required during orthodontic treatment.
Patient compliance is always a challenge, but simplifying routines and making them pleasant can significantly improve outcomes.
Why interdental cleaning matters for orthodontic patients
Brushing alone does not adequately remove plaque around brackets, wires, or beneath aligners. Interdental cleaning is critical, yet string floss is particularly difficult for patients in orthodontic treatment.
Evidence demonstrates that:
- Water flossers are up to 3x as effective as string floss for orthodontic patients.
- The Waterpik™ Orthodontic Tip is specifically designed to remove plaque around brackets and wires.
- Waterpik™ water flossers remove 99.9% of plaque from treated areas in just 3 seconds (in vitro).
Why HCPs should recommend Waterpik
By recommending Waterpik™, HCPs can give orthodontic patients an accessible, effective way to maintain plaque control throughout treatment.
- Ultra Professional Water Flosser offers 10 pressure settings for a customised experience.
- Dedicated Orthodontic Tip ensures superior plaque removal around appliances.
- Clinically proven to reduce gingivitis and improve gum health.
This allows patients to protect their investment in orthodontic treatment and achieve the best possible functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment presents unique challenges to maintaining oral health, but with the right adjunctive tools, patients can succeed. Education, communication, and evidence-based product recommendations are vital. Waterpik™ provides an effective, patient-friendly solution that makes oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment both manageable and clinically successful.
About the author
Anne Symons is a Dental Hygienist currently working in a specialist periodontal/implant practice as well as a busy NHS surgery. She has previously worked in a Max Fax unit and taught oral health care to staff in nursing and residential homes.