Orthodontic treatment is important to your appearance, your oral health and your overall health. However, you must follow a high standard of oral hygiene during your treatment for optimal results. Teenagers may be at risk for tooth damage during orthodontic correction because their teeth have less resistance to tooth decay, and they may not follow proper cleaning habits. A good diet is also required to help avoid tooth decay while wearing braces. Processed carbohydrates and sugars are acidic and can erode the tooth enamel, causing decay. Soft drinks, acidic fruits and vinaigrette dressing should be limited; bananas, lettuce, eggs and milk are more tooth-friendly foods.
During orthodontic correction, it is necessary to give your teeth more care. Biofilm is the bacterial layer that accumulates every day on your teeth and orthodontic appliances. This is the main cause of tooth damage. The type of food you eat determines the type of bacteria that is in the biofilm. People who wear braces, whether they are fixed braces, or clear aligners, have three times as much biofilm as people without orthodontic appliances. Trapped food is the main cause of biofilm, and it can cause permanent damage to your teeth. White spots may form on your teeth due to a loss of enamel and you can develop gingivitis, which means your gums are inflamed and bleeding.
The good news is, you can prevent tooth damage so that when your braces are removed, you have the smile you always wanted. It is important to have regular check-ups at our office to make sure small problems do not become big ones. Here are three tips for preventing tooth damage during your orthodontic treatment:
- Brushing properly is cleaning above and below the wire that passes through the brackets of fixed braces. Our specialist recommends a brush that you can manipulate easily to reach all the surfaces of your teeth.
- Flossing is important as well. Statistics show that people with braces who floss have healthier gums than those who don’t. It is a time-consuming process, but well worth it to avoid damaging your teeth.
- Fluoride is helpful in preventing decay as well as decalcification, which is the early loss of tooth enamel. Since people who wear braces have a higher count of oral bacteria; fluoride toothpaste is extremely beneficial to these individuals.
During a consultation with our specialist at the office of Brodie Bowman, DMD, you can learn about the best way to maintain good oral hygiene that is compatible with your lifestyle and your orthodontic correction plan. We have offices in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.