It is vital that individuals with braces maintain good oral health. Braces present additional challenges in terms of maintaining good oral health and preventing tooth decay. In this article we explore new ways to prevent decay and offer valuable advice to those who are navigating orthodontic treatment.
Take care of your oral hygiene
When wearing braces, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene. With brackets and metal wires, brushing and flossing becomes more difficult. To ensure that all surfaces are cleaned properly, it’s essential to spend more time and effort. You can use an interdental or water flosser for hard-to reach areas. You can also reduce plaque and bacteria by using an antimicrobial oral rinse.
Select Braces Friendly Foods
Some foods can increase your risk of developing tooth decay when wearing braces. Sticky, hard, or sugary foods can damage brackets and cause oral hygiene to be more difficult. Opt for foods that are friendly to braces, such as soft fruit, cooked vegetables and dairy products. These choices are healthy and provide nutrients without increasing the chances of food particles sticking to your braces.
Limit sugar and acidic beverages
Drinks that contain both sugar and acids, like soda, fruit juices and sports drinks, can increase your risk of developing tooth decay. The combination of acids and sugar can erode enamel, promoting bacterial growth. Choose water or other sugar-free beverages instead. If you drink acidic or sugary drinks, rinse your mouth afterward with water.
Take an Oral Hygiene kit with you
While maintaining good oral health on the move can be challenging, it’s essential to prevent tooth decay. Keep a small kit of oral hygiene products, such as a travel brush, toothpaste, dental floss and interdental brushes, in your bag. After eating, you can brush and floss your teeth to remove food particles. This will reduce the risk of plaque accumulation and tooth decay.
Regular Dental Check-ups
For you to maintain your oral hygiene and adjust your treatment, regular visits to the dentist or orthodontist is essential. These professionals can identify early signs such as tooth decay, gum issues, and other oral problems. They can give you advice and make the necessary adjustments to your braces in order to optimize your treatment.
Additional Protection
Consider taking additional measures to protect your teeth during orthodontic treatment. For example, dental sealants can be applied on the chewing surface of teeth to create an effective barrier against bacteria which cause decay. Fluoride treatment may be recommended to help strengthen enamel and offer additional protection against decay.
Summary
To prevent tooth decay, you must pay extra attention to your oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing thoroughly, as well as using interdental cleaners, are essential. Maintaining oral health while on the move is possible by choosing braces-friendly meals, avoiding sugary or acidic beverages and carrying a dental hygiene kit.
Regular dental exams and additional protective measures, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants, can enhance your oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. These new ideas, if you follow them, will help you maintain a healthy smile and avoid cavities while getting the desired result from your braces. For personalized advice and guidance, it is important to consult with your orthodontist.