Going to the dentist is important for everyone. It’s the main defense against dental disease. As important as it is to visit the dentist for everyone, it’s even more important when you have braces. Regardless of whether you have traditional braces or Invisalign, the added hardware can cause major issues if your dental care is neglected.
Consequences Of Poor Dental Care
Here are just a few reasons to stay up-to-date with your dental cleanings, especially when you have braces:
Tooth Decay
While it may feel like your teeth are wearing a shield of armor having braces, you are just as susceptible to tooth decay, if not more susceptible. Food and debris can become stuck around the braces or under your straightening tray and, if left there, can cause decay and eventually cavities.
Bad Breath
Just like when you don’t have braces, neglecting your professional dental treatments can cause bad breath. The difference is braces offer more places for food and debris to hide, leading to more opportunities for bad breath.
Gum Disease
Although it’s a bit more difficult to do so with braces, brushing and flossing is still crucial to your gum health. By having regular dental exams, you can keep your gums healthy, improving your overall health along the way.
Stained Teeth
As we’ve seen with tooth decay and bad breath, extra hardware on your teeth offers many more great hiding places for food and debris. Letting this junk sit on your teeth can quickly lead to staining. Without regular dental treatments, you could have your braces removed and see a faint outline of where they were.
Tips for In-between Visits
Having a dental cleaning every six months can greatly improve the chances that you will avoid cavities, tooth decay, and staining. In-between those appointments, here are some things you can do to improve your dental health with braces:
Brushing
Brushing twice a day is the habit most people are in. However, with braces you should be brushing after each time you eat. That includes lunch, snacks, and mid-night treats. This is because of the likelihood of food getting stuck around your braces. Keeping a travel toothbrush with you and getting in the habit of brushing every time you eat will greatly improve your chances of avoiding tooth decay.
Flossing
Flossing is notoriously difficult to keep up as a habit. It’s arguably even harder with braces. While it can feel like you are fighting with your braces every time, flossing at least once a day can help to remove any hidden food stuff, especially under the wires. Try a floss threader for an easier experience and talk with your dentist about other options.
Watch What You Eat
Because it’s so easy for food to build up around the hardware of your braces, watching what you eat is critical. Be mindful of things like caramel, corn on the cob, chewing gum, and other things that could damage your braces or cause serious issues if it becomes trapped around your braces.
Rinse
If you find yourself without a toothbrush after you eat, one thing you can do is have a quick rinse. Simply swishing vigorously after you eat can dislodge food that has become stuck around your braces and that will help to prevent dental disease.
With a little extra effort and regular dental treatments can help you maintain your dental health and leave you with beautiful teeth after your braces are removed. Schedule your next dental appointment today and stay on track with your dental health.
Call our Long Beach dental office at 562-434-6414 or request an appointment date and time here.
