Is it common to get cavities with braces?
Yes, it is common to get cavities with braces. When you have braces, it is harder to clean your teeth properly, which can lead to an increased risk of cavities. It is important to brush and floss carefully and regularly to prevent cavities when you have braces. Your orthodontist can give you specific instructions on how to care for your teeth and braces to help prevent cavities.
How to Prevent Cavities While Wearing Braces
If you have braces, it’s important to keep your teeth clean to avoid tooth decay and other problems. There are a few things you can do to help prevent cavities while wearing braces:
- Braces can make it harder to brush and floss your teeth effectively, which can allow food particles and plaque to build up in your mouth. This can increase your risk of tooth decay. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the spaces between your teeth and gums.
- Braces can create small spaces and crevices between your teeth and gums where food particles and bacteria can become trapped. This can also increase your risk of tooth decay. Use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean between your teeth and around your braces. This will help remove food particles and plaque that can cause cavities.
- Floss daily using a floss threader or a water flosser to clean between your teeth and around your braces.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as these can damage your teeth and increase your risk of cavities.
- Drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and keep your mouth hydrated.
- Ask your orthodontist about using a mouthguard if you play sports.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can help you keep your teeth and braces clean and check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems. By following these tips, you can help prevent tooth decay and maintain healthy teeth and gums while wearing braces.
By following these tips, you can help prevent cavities and maintain healthy teeth and gums while wearing braces.
How To Brush Your Teeth With Braces
Here are some steps for brushing your teeth with braces:
- Wet your toothbrush and apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums, and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to brush the outer surfaces of your teeth.
- Use the same gentle back-and-forth motion to brush the inner surfaces of your teeth.
- Use the tip of the toothbrush to clean the backs of your front teeth.
- Use a back-and-forth motion to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- Use the tip of the toothbrush to clean around your brackets and wires, being careful not to damage them.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any toothpaste and food particles.
Remember to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, to effectively clean your teeth and braces. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed.
HPS Dental Care is Accepting New Dental Patients
At HPS Dental Care we focus not only on our dental patients’ teeth but also on their overall health. If you have one or more missing teeth, have teeth that are badly damaged or decayed, and have difficulty eating or speaking due to missing teeth; give us a call at 248-652-0024 as soon as possible to schedule a dental appointment and we can determine the best treatment for you. HPS Dental is conveniently located on 24 Mile Road near Shelby Rd. in Shelby Township, MI.
