Preventing Tooth Decay While Wearing Braces

Many people are unaware that plaque and most dental issues are caused primarily by bacteria. Bacteria can turn into plaque and tartar, which can cause even more issues and buildup. Every person is different. The way plaque is produced in a person’s mouth differs from others.

At Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, we want to give everything their best smile. We know that caring for braces and teeth throughout orthodontic treatment can be difficult or tedious, but it’s important to maintain good oral habits. Tooth decay can hinder orthodontic treatment, so keeping the teeth in good shape is vital throughout treatment. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Scott Runnels, contact Runnels Orthodontics today.

It’s vital to remove bacteria from the mouth. This can be done through a variety of methods. People commonly brush their teeth, but few people know that they need to floss, use mouth wash, brush their teeth more often, brush or scrap their tongues and gargle. Bacteria doesn’t just exist on the teeth. It can be found anywhere in the mouth, which makes using mouthwash and excellent idea.

People who have thicker saliva tend to have a higher amount of bacteria in the mouth and create more plaque in their mouths. This means that some people can easily remove plaque from their mouths while others have to brush extensively. Also, some people can get by with brushing their teeth a couple of times per day and not suffer from dental issues while others need to brush their teeth three to four times a day. If plaque quickly collects in a person’s mouth, it’s important that they brush their teeth after each meal. However, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating and drinking to avoid enamel loss.

Also, it’s best to avoid foods that are more likely to cause plaque in the mouth. For instance, sugar creates a lot of plaque in the mouth. Because carbohydrates are similar to sugar, the same can result from eating a lot of carbohydrates. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help to keep the amount of bacteria at a minimum as well.

Braces help to beautify a person’s mouth and correct their bite; however, they can be difficult to get around when trying to clean the mouth. Brushing and flossing have to be done in different and more thorough ways. For instance, teeth need to be brushed at a 45-degree angle. This is a good way to brush teeth, anyway, as it helps to clean plaque beneath the gum-line. However, it’s important to get the bristles behind the braces to cover the teeth’s surface. It’s also important for a person to brush more often when they have braces. This is especially true after eating. Use of a Waterpik can help to clear out plaque between the teeth and around the braces. Flossing becomes more difficult with braces. It becomes essential to thread floss through braces in order to clean between teeth.

People who did not keep up with their dental hygiene while they had braces quickly discover why it was so important to brush well once their braces came off. The teeth can be substantially stained in areas braces did not make contact with teeth while the other areas are noticeably white. Also, there are a lot of crevices bacteria and plaque can hide. These areas can develop cavities and other issues. It’s best to keep a clean mouth.