It is a common concern whether orthodontic treatment, such as braces, makes individuals more susceptible to developing cavities. While braces are effective in aligning teeth and improving oral health, their presence introduces new considerations for maintaining cleanliness. Understanding these challenges and implementing diligent oral hygiene practices can significantly reduce cavity formation during orthodontic treatment. With consistent and proper care, achieving a straight smile without the complication of new cavities is achievable.
How Braces Affect Oral Hygiene
Braces, with their brackets, archwires, and elastic bands, create new surfaces and tight spaces where food particles and plaque accumulate. These appliances act as traps, making it challenging for a standard toothbrush to effectively clean all tooth surfaces. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up around brackets and under wires, leading to an increased risk of dental decay.
When plaque remains on tooth surfaces, the bacteria within it produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel. This process weakens the enamel, initially appearing as white spots. If left unaddressed, these areas can progress into cavities, often forming around the edges of brackets or along the gumline where plaque tends to collect. The structure of braces can also impede the natural cleansing action of saliva and limit access for thorough brushing and flossing.
Strategies for Cavity Prevention
Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene is important for preventing cavities while wearing braces. Brushing teeth after every meal or snack is recommended, using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic-specific brush designed with a V-shaped trim to clean around brackets. Electric toothbrushes with specialized orthodontic brush heads can also be beneficial, as their vibrations help dislodge plaque and food debris from intricate areas. The brushing technique should involve angling the bristles above and below the brackets to clean both the appliance and the tooth surface.
Flossing is equally important, yet it becomes more challenging with wires obstructing access between teeth. Floss threaders, small, flexible loops, can help guide regular dental floss under the archwire to clean between teeth and along the gumline. Water flossers, using a stream of pulsating water, are another effective tool for dislodging food particles and plaque from around brackets and wires, reaching areas that traditional brushing and flossing might miss. Using a fluoride toothpaste is also beneficial, as fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks.
Dietary choices play a significant role in cavity prevention during orthodontic treatment. Limiting sugary foods and drinks, such as sodas, candies, and fruit juices, reduces the fuel available for acid-producing bacteria in plaque. Avoiding sticky foods like caramels and taffy, or hard foods such as nuts and popcorn, helps prevent damage to the braces and minimizes food entrapment. Regular professional dental cleanings and check-ups with both an orthodontist and a general dentist are also important to monitor oral health and address any emerging concerns promptly. Professional fluoride treatments may also be applied to provide extra protection against demineralization.
Identifying and Treating Cavities
Recognizing the early signs of demineralization or cavity formation is important for timely intervention. White spots on the tooth surface, particularly around the brackets, often indicate initial enamel demineralization. These spots appear opaque or chalky. As decay progresses, these areas may turn brown or develop into visible holes. Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive tooth damage, necessitating more involved treatment.
Upon noticing any suspicious spots or feeling tooth sensitivity, contact your orthodontist or general dentist immediately. Early detection allows for less invasive treatment options. If a cavity is confirmed while wearing braces, the treatment approach will depend on its location and size. For some cavities, the orthodontist may need to temporarily remove a section of the archwire or even a bracket to allow the dentist access for filling the cavity. After the dental procedure, the orthodontic appliances are typically reassembled to continue the teeth-straightening process.