Having your teeth straightened is one step away from achieving a beautiful smile, but before you can get to that, do know that this orthodontic treatment comes with responsibilities. Taking care of your teeth so that food particles can’t get stuck in the teeth which can pose a greater risk of cavities is one of the things you need to ensure your braces treatment goes exactly as planned, avoid any untimely visits, and have healthy smiles.
Read more about Post-Braces Orthodontic Appointments.
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- Brush your teeth. If you keep up with your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth after every meal the fewer times bits of food and bacteria lingers in your mouth and less likely tooth decay can develop. It is also important to know proper technique with braces to effectively clean your teeth.
- Floss. Flossing with braces might take some more time than without one, but mastering this technique is not that difficult. It may take some time to get used to it, but it is more than worth it in helping prevent cavities.
- Don’t forget to use mouthwash.Brushing and flossing may not be enough to prevent cavities as there is a good chance that harmful bacteria are still present in your teeth. Rinsing with fluoride mouth can help flush away the remnant bacteria.
- Watch What You Eat. Chewy and sticky foods, sugary foods, and desserts leave residue around the braces that will remain there even if you brushed your teeth. Since most of these foods have sugar, it can promote bacteria and plaque formation which is the main cause of tooth decay. Read about Braces color bands.
- Avoid certain beverages. Sodas, energy drinks, and other carbonated drinks contain acids and sugar that can easily damage the tooth enamel over time. When the enamel is weak, cavities can easily develop.
- Quit Smoking. Studies have shown that smoking can not only cause adverse effects to your health but your oral health as well. Smoking can promote bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup leading to cavities and tooth decay.
- Don’t forget your dental appointments. Your dental professional is the only one who can thoroughly examine your teeth, adjust the wires, and replace your elastic bands. They can also spot early onset of plaque buildup and tooth decay in early stages.
Sources:
- Studies from Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics show that the dental biofilm cointains Streptococcus mutans (S. mutancs) which are acidogenic and aciduric and is considered as the cause of dental caries.
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