Saskatoon – Stephenson Orthodontics
You’ve finally gotten braces to straighten out your smile and enhance your overall dental health, congratulations! While braces are an excellent tool for achieving a beautiful smile, they also come with their own set of challenges. One common issue that many people face while wearing braces is the development of white marks on their teeth, which can eventually lead to decay if not properly addressed. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for preventing white marks and decay while wearing braces, as well as the importance of brushing and flossing after eating and before bed.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
The first step in preventing white marks and decay while wearing braces is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing your teeth after every meal or snack to remove food particles and bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup. When brushing with braces, it’s important to be thorough and gentle to avoid damaging the brackets or wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean both the surface of your teeth and around the brackets.
Make Sure to Floss
In addition to brushing, flossing is crucial for keeping your teeth healthy while wearing braces. Flossing helps remove food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush may not reach. To make flossing easier with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss designed for braces. Incorporate flossing into your daily routine, ideally before bedtime, to ensure that no debris is left behind that could contribute to white marks or decay.
Continue Seeing Your Denist Regularily
It’s also essential to attend regular dental check-ups throughout your orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can monitor the health of your teeth during this time and address any concerns about white marks or decay promptly. They may recommend fluoride treatments or sealants as additional measures for protecting your teeth while wearing braces. By staying on top of your appointments, you can ensure that any issues are caught early on before they progress into more significant problems.
Conclusion
Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces requires diligence and commitment but is well worth the effort in maintaining a healthy smile. By following these tips for preventing white marks and decay – such as maintaining good oral hygiene habits, brushing after eating, limiting sugary foods, flossing regularly, and attending regular dental check-ups – you can protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment journey. Remember that proper care during this time will not only help you achieve a straighter smile but also preserve the health of your teeth in the long run.
For a free consult, reach our office at 306-653-3955 or book an appointment below.
Stephenson Orthodontics
301 The Tower at Midtown
201 1st Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1J5
