A general dentist plays a vital role in guiding patients through the process of maintaining oral health while undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as braces. Braces are an excellent solution for straightening teeth and improving the alignment of the bite. However, they require special care to ensure that both the braces and teeth remain in good condition throughout the treatment process. Failure to properly care for teeth while wearing braces can lead to oral hygiene issues, including plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. To avoid these complications, follow these tips from a general dentist during treatment.
When wearing braces, maintaining a thorough and consistent oral hygiene routine becomes even more important. Braces provide additional surfaces where food particles, plaque, and bacteria can accumulate. For this reason, braces wearers need to brush their teeth after every meal and snack to prevent buildup and maintain clean teeth.
A general dentist will recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to thoroughly clean the teeth, brackets, and wires. Wearers can use a manual or electric toothbrush, but the key is to brush at all angles to reach the areas around the brackets, wires, and gums. Patients should gently brush their teeth and braces to avoid damaging the wires and brackets. The general dentist may also suggest using an interdental brush, a small brush designed to clean between the wires and brackets, ensuring that no food particles are trapped.
Further, flossing is equally important. Traditional flossing can be challenging with braces, but it is still necessary to remove food particles from between the teeth. Floss threaders or orthodontic floss can help patients maneuver the floss around the braces and between the teeth. It is also beneficial to use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque buildup and keep the mouth fresh.
Certain foods can cause damage to braces or become stuck in the brackets and wires, making it more difficult to keep teeth clean and healthy. A general dentist will typically advise patients with braces to avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that could potentially break or dislodge the wires or brackets. These foods include caramel, gum, nuts, whole apples, hard candies, tough steak, and popcorn kernels. General dentists also recommend avoiding using the teeth as tools to open bottles and packages or biting into hard objects, such as ice cubes or pencils, which can damage the braces.
Instead, patients should focus on eating soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Fruits like bananas, applesauce, and melons are good choices, as well as cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, and soft meats. If patients do consume hard or crunchy foods, they should cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to reduce the risk of damaging the braces.
Lastly, drinking water is not only beneficial for one's overall health but also helps rinse the mouth after meals, especially if food particles remain caught in the brackets or wires. It is also important to limit sugary drinks, such as soda or fruit juices, as they can contribute to tooth decay, especially when combined with the presence of braces.
Those who engage in physical activities, such as sports, should take extra precautions to protect their braces. A general dentist often recommends wearing a mouthguard to protect the braces and teeth from potential injury during contact sports such as football, basketball, or hockey. Many general dentists can provide a custom-made mouthguard to ensure a perfect fit over the braces and teeth, offering the highest level of protection.
Even for non-contact supports, like tennis or volleyball, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard to prevent accidental injuries or falls that could lead to damage to the braces. If a patient experiences discomfort or irritation from the braces while participating in sports, it is essential to consult with their general dentist for guidance on managing the discomfort and preventing further issues.
It is important to note that orthodontic visits do not replace dental checkups—both are vital. While orthodontic visits allow practitioners to ensure the braces are functioning properly, remain in good condition, and the patient is progressing as expected, dental checkups allow the dentist to monitor the health of the teeth and gums. These checkups ensure there are no issues, such as cavities or gum disease, that may interfere with orthodontic treatment or impede the patient's overall oral health. The general dentist can also thoroughly remove stubborn plaque that has turned into tartar, which is common in hard-to-reach areas surrounding the brackets.
Taking care of teeth with braces requires extra attention to detail, but with the right approach, patients can ensure their braces work effectively without compromising their oral health. Do you wear braces? Contact our general dentist for more tips and tricks on maintaining your oral health with oral appliances.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.
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