So you have your dental braces and are on your way to the smile you have always wanted. But don’t forget, there is more to a beautiful healthy mouth than just straight teeth. Braces make it very easy for food to get stuck in your teeth which allows bacteria to grow and create plaque. This plaque can cause cavities, decalcification (white spots) and gum disease. To help avoid these issues, you need good daily oral hygiene habits. Also, having a checkup and cleaning every three months with your regular dentist will go even further to ensure that your beautiful smile will not be ruined by bleeding gums, white spots, or cavities.
Daily Hygiene Tips
- Always brush after you eat. If you cannot brush, rinse your mouth out with water. If possible, use an electric toothbrush such as a Sonicare toothbrush.
- Flossing daily is critically important to remove plaque from your teeth. You will need to use floss threaders to make sure you get all around your braces. A water flosser can be easier and more efficient than regular floss.
- Use fluoride rinse and/or fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel and help avoid decalcification
Three Month Cleanings with Your Regular Dentist
Good daily oral hygiene can help slow plaque buildup but plaque is unavoidable. This is why you should get a regular dental cleaning and checkup. With braces, the plaque builds up faster so getting a cleaning every three months is ideal.
Bleeding gums and cavities can be treated and your smile can be restored. However, decalcification and the resulting white spots are permanent unless you remove a substantial part of the tooth and enamel for a veneer or crown. This will damage the tooth and is expensive. Braces are a substantial investment for your smile and you need to protect it. That is why getting a cleaning every three month is so important. So protect your smile and make an appointment to see your general dentist right away. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, you will have a dazzling smile for decades to come.
Photo Copyright © by Keenan Turner of MDK Media. Used under license. Use of this picture is not an endorsement by MDK Media of any products
