3 Tips For Preventing Tooth Decay With Braces

12 March 2017
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Braces are one of the best solutions for correcting crooked teeth, but they can pose a challenge when it comes to dental hygiene. A bit of extra effort will be necessary to keep all the surfaces of your teeth healthy. Here are three tips that can help you avoid tooth decay while wearing braces.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

While you may not expect to have to change your diet just because you get braces, there are a few foods that it would be wise to avoid. Foods that are known for being harmful to teeth can be even more problematic when they cling to your braces and go unnoticed for an extended period. For this reason, it is important to limit caramel, raisins, and other sticky foods in your diet.

Brush With an Interdental Toothbrush

When you have braces, the brackets and wires can make it difficult to achieve full coverage when brushing your teeth with a normal toothbrush. You will be able to keep your teeth cleaner and reduce the risk of decay if you start using to an interdental toothbrush.

Interdental toothbrushes have small, rounded ends with bristles emerging from all sides. These brushes can be inserted between your braces and your teeth and reach the sides of your teeth more easily. Without an interdental brush, food particles could cling between your braces and your teeth and create a breeding ground for bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Use a Fluoridated Mouthwash

Even if you are using an interdental toothbrush, it is still possible to miss parts of your teeth when brushing. Using mouthwash after eating is the best way to rinse all food particles off of your teeth, as it will cover all of your teeth evenly. A fluoridated mouthwash is the best choice if you are wearing braces and want the best chance at avoiding tooth decay.

Fluoride is a mineral that provides several important benefits to your teeth. Fluoride strengthens enamel, provides a protective barrier against acids, and can reverse minor tooth decay. The extra protection provided by fluoridated mouthwash is well worth it to overcome the higher risk of tooth decay that comes with braces.

Taking the right steps to keep your teeth healthy while wearing braces is the best way to achieve the perfect smile that you deserve. Keep these tips in mind so that you can avoid unnecessary cavities while wearing braces.