I’ll admit it. I was not great with keeping my teeth clean while I had braces, but by nature, I am a rule follower. Thankfully, the hygienist that cleaned my teeth every six months sat my mom down and told her that I was at risk of getting cavities if I did not start doing better. The hygienist talking to my mom about my lack of cleaning was enough to get me to do better. Now that I am a dentist, I am the one addressing parents about poor hygiene issues.
Things to know prior to orthodontic treatment:
Before getting braces, it is important for the patient to already have good hygiene. Hygiene only worsens with braces.
Children who do not want braces rebel with poor oral hygiene. Make sure your child is ready and willing prior to braces placement. Crooked, healthy teeth are better than straight teeth with decay.
Make sure all existing cavities are restored prior to braces placement. Orthodontists are dental specialists that place orthodontic hardware and appliances. Unless they work in the same office as the child’s dentist, they may not be aware of existing cavities. Orthodontists will see their patients every four to six weeks, but these visits do not replace the recommended six-month cleaning appointments. It is especially important for the braces patient to have regular cleanings and fluoride treatments during orthodontic treatment.
Tips for Cleaning Teeth during Orthodontic Treatment
- Brush your teeth! Make it a priority to brush your teeth two to three times every day. Nighttime brushing is the most important time to brush your teeth to prevent cavities from forming.
- Floss your teeth! It’s so hard. Yes, it is. But cavities can form between your teeth quickly and easily with braces on. There are tools to help make it easier for you. Floss threaders and Superfloss have a flexible portion of the floss to help it get under the wires. Water flossers are great for gum health and rinsing food and plaque from teeth, but they are not substitutes for flossing.
- Use toothpaste with Fluoride in it. Fluoride binds to softened enamel to make it chemically harder thus preventing cavities from forming. Fluoride is your friend when you have orthodontic hardware in your mouth.
- Drink a lot of water. Any beverage besides water will make the oral environment acidic and more prone to cavities. Sipping on beverages throughout the day significantly increases your risk for dental decay.
- See your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and fluoride treatments.
