8 Steps to reduce tooth decay while wearing braces

Making a commitment to get braces is an important step toward getting an attractive smile. Taking care of your smile is a lifetime commitment and the decision to get braces is an investment in yourself.

Dr. Phan applauds you and wants to make sure you also protect your teeth so that, when the braces come off, you do not have cavities or stains. The steps below will help to prevent tooth decay so that you can preserve those pearly-white, healthy teeth during your orthodontic treatment.

1. Brush after each meal.

Whether you wear braces or not, food tends to adhere to the teeth. With braces on, it can be a bit hard to brush and you tend to collect more food since there are more surfaces for food to bind to. Brushing may seem like a lot of work, but if you dedicate yourself to brushing after each meal, you will get used to the routine quickly.

Brush around the teeth and the brackets. Pay attention around the gum level as plaque tends to collect there. Use an inter-dental brush to get in between the brackets and rub around the brackets near the gum line. An inter-dental brush looks like a Christmas tree and has a small tip to get in hard-to-reach places better than a regular toothbrush.

2. Floss daily.

Use floss thread to get below the wire and remove bits and pieces of food that get stuck in between the teeth and around the gums. Flossing reduces the risk of cavities in between the teeth as well as swelling and bleeding gums caused by food embedded in the gum pockets for days at a time.

3. Use a water flosser.

The popular brand, Waterpik, uses a pressurized pulsating water stream to clean around the braces and leave your teeth free of plaque and bacteria.

4. Use a fluoride mouthwash before bedtime.

Fluoride rinse helps to stop the acid attacks, strengthen your weak enamel and rebuild the enamel rods. It cuts down on decay and cavities.

5. Minimize snacks.

Each time you eat, your teeth are overwhelmed by acid from the degradation of sugars. Prolonged exposure to acid can lead to a high risk of tooth decay.

6. Avoid sugar and carbonated drinks.

Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid that attaches to the teeth. Drinking too many sugary drinks, such as carbonated soda, sport drinks and other sweet liquids, will lead to ongoing acid attacks and weaken tooth enamel.

7. Drink plenty of water.

Water washes away bacteria and sugar and will help to slow down or minimize tooth damage.

8. See your dentist two to four times a year while in braces.

A professional cleaning will help to keep your teeth, gums and periodontal structure healthy and free from oral bacterial diseases.

Give our office a call if you wish to schedule a complimentary consultation. For more information, please visit our website, www.CareOrthodontics.com.