Those who want impressive results with braces should not forget basic oral hygiene. While wearing braces will straighten your teeth and align your jaw, it’s up to you to prevent cavities. Brackets and wires create many new places for plaque to attach itself. Plaque that stays active in the mouth can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Sugars found in the food and drinks you consume will activate the bacteria in the plaque and create enamel-eroding acid. This acid can create holes in your enamel and allow cavities and tooth decay to form. Read below for proper ways to clean your teeth while wearing braces.
Brushing, flossing, and never missing a checkup with the orthodontist are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. The expert team at The Smile Specialists are trained with the latest orthopedic technology, and they will help you with every step of your smile correction. We believe in continuing education, and our staff frequently attends local and national seminars to learn how to better provide people with top-notch orthopedic care. Our mission is to provide the families of Pennsylvania with affordable and comfortable orthopedic services. For more information about our variety of services, visit our website or call 610-489-6032.
Use the Right Toothbrush
During the first, obligation-free consultation, we will provide you with x-rays, payment options, and supplies to clean your teeth once you get your braces on. The best toothbrushes will clean underneath the wire and around the bracket. Due to the additional plaque that will form around each bracket, brushing your teeth three times per day, including once before bed, will help you prevent surface stains. Improper brushing around the brackets will lead to yellow stains and cavities along the surface of the tooth. Getting your braces off is an exciting day; you won’t want to find yellow circles around where your braces used to be.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens the enamel around each tooth. Enamel is the clear coat above the dentine that protects the tooth from decay and staining. It is harder than bone and will last a long time if you take care of it. However, the acid produced by plaque left on the tooth will eat through the enamel and make it disappear for good. Fluoride not only cleans your teeth, it preserves and strengthens tooth enamel by pushing phosphate and calcium to the surface of the tooth. Ask The Smile Specialists for fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
Call The Smile Specialists Today
We are committed to helping improve your oral health through premium orthopedic care. A straight smile boosts self-confidence and prevents further jaw misalignment problems. For more information about our variety of services, visit our website. To schedule a first visit, check our our online schedule or call 610-489-6032.