The best way to prevent tooth decay with braces is to practice excellent oral hygiene. This entails brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. You should also avoid sugary and sticky foods that can cause cavities. If you do eat sugary foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward. In addition, see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Understanding Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is damage to the surface of a tooth. This can happen when you don’t clean your teeth well, and plaque and bacteria build-up. Cavities form when the decay gets bigger. If you don’t treat tooth decay, you could get an infection or lose the tooth.
Braces are a common and popular way to prevent cavities by correcting misalignments in your teeth that make them harder to clean. Braces are installed by bonding brackets to each tooth. A wire and elastic bands anchor the brackets.
There are many different types of braces to choose from, each with its own advantages in terms of comfort and noticeability. However, all braces work essentially the same way, by gradually shifting teeth into the correct position over 15 to 18 months.
How Braces Work
While metal braces are effective in straightening teeth, they also create an environment more conducive to developing cavities and tooth decay. This is because braces make it difficult to clean teeth properly, and food particles and sugar can become trapped under the brackets and wires. To prevent this, patients are usually advised to follow a special diet that limits sugary and sticky foods.
If you have a cavity while you are wearing braces, your orthodontist may be able to fill the hole without removing the wire. However, if the wire needs to be removed, your orthodontist can temporarily remove it until after filling the cavity.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Some things you can do to prevent developing tooth decay are:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing at least once a day
- Rinsing your mouth with water after eating
- Eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary foods
- Visiting a dentist regularly
If you have braces, it’s essential to take extra care of your teeth to prevent enamel damage. Be sure to brush, floss regularly, and see your orthodontist for regular checkups.
When you have braces, your teeth are shifted, which can cause some root loss. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and getting regular professional cleanings will help keep your teeth and gums healthy during your orthodontic treatment. This will minimize the risk of damage to your teeth and gums and help ensure a successful outcome.
Keeping Your Braces Clean
It is important to brush your teeth after meals and before bed. Be sure to brush around the brackets and wires using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also want to use an interdental brush to clean between your teeth and under your wires.
In addition to brushing, you should also floss your teeth daily. You can use a floss threader to help you get the floss under your wires. Be sure to floss gently to avoid damaging your gums.
If you do not take care of your braces, you may experience some problems, such as:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- White spots on your teeth
- Enamel damage
- Braces becoming loose
- Treatment taking longer
Conclusion
Braces are an effective way to prevent tooth decay. They work by keeping the teeth in alignment, which makes it difficult for plaque and bacteria to accumulate in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. In addition, braces make it easier to brush and floss the teeth, which helps to remove plaque and bacteria before they have a chance to cause tooth decay.
Do you need braces in Manassas? Turn to Solarte Orthodontics, offering orthodontic treatments for adults and children. Book an appointment.
