When you have braces, your risk of developing tooth decay is much higher. After all, brackets, bands, and wires make it much more difficult to practice proper oral hygiene habits. However, as a team, we want you to know that it is possible to prevent tooth decay even if you have braces. In this article, we will explain some of the symptoms of tooth decay and the treatment of tooth decay while wearing braces. Finally, we’ll give you 5 tips to prevent tooth decay while you have braces.
Tooth Decay Symptoms
The severity of tooth decay determines the signs and symptoms you have. According to experts, many patients in the early stages of dental caries do not have any obvious symptoms, but as the caries progresses, you may experience:
.Sensitivity to hot, cold or sugary foods
.Continuous pain
.Cavities in teeth
.White/dark spots on teeth
.Loose fillings
.Difficulty biting certain foods
. Halitosis
.Abscesses that cause fever, swelling, or pain
Can Tooth Decay Be Treated While Wearing Braces?
Yes, tooth decay can be treated while wearing braces. In fact, the treatment of cavities with and without braces is basically the same. We prefer to diagnose and treat cavities as early as possible to prevent them from getting worse. The size and location of the decay will determine whether your braces are affected. In some cases, the gap can be filled without disturbing your braces. However, we may need to adjust or remove your archwire or brackets to fill a gap under the brackets.
5 Tips to Prevent Caries While Wearing Braces
There are a few things you can do to prevent tooth decay while wearing braces:
Don’t Miss Your Orthodontic Appointments
When you have braces, you should visit the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. These visits are primarily to replace wires and make adjustments, but we will also assess your oral health. Some patients develop cavities and gum problems while wearing braces, especially if they do not practice proper oral hygiene. By sticking to these appointments, we can quickly treat any rot before it grows.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
This includes brushing and flossing. Make sure you use the right toothbrush when brushing your teeth. There are toothbrushes on the market that are specially designed for people with braces. They usually have softer bristles and are angled to help you reach harder to reach areas. Although difficult, flossing is very important, especially if you have braces. You don’t have to floss every time you eat, once a day is enough. However, it may be better if you floss every time you eat. There are dental floss on the market that make the process easier.
Use Fluoride Mouthwash
After brushing your teeth, many experts recommend using a fluoride mouthwash because mouthwash removes fluoride from brushing. Ideally, you should wait about 30 minutes after brushing your teeth to use the mouthwash.
Avoid Restricted Foods
When you have braces, there are some foods you should avoid. This is because they can damage your braces or get stuck in places where you can’t remove them, leading to bacteria and plaque buildup. This can eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease.
For Plenty of Water
Make sure you drink plenty of water. This will help clean up any bacteria and food residue left behind. If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, swish water around your mouth to loosen food residue. This is better than letting it sit on your teeth all day.
Contact Us
If you have braces and are worried about tooth decay, you can contact us.
.Is braces put on when there is cavities in the mouth?
Before you put your braces on, if you have cavities on your teeth, you should have them treated. This is because wearing braces on weak teeth creates more dental problems, such as cracks or fractures, which will eventually lead to tooth loss.
.Can filling be done while there is braces?
Yes, you can have a filling while you have braces.
