If you’re a first-time patient at Chamberlain Family Orthodontics, you might be wondering how to prevent oral health issues while wearing braces. When you’re new to treatment, taking care of your appliances and smile can require patience, practice, and effort, and neglecting a proper care routine can put you at risk of developing oral health issues like cavities or white spots. It’s important to understand that these problems can be prevented, and doing so is as easy as becoming aware of potential issues, learning how to care for your appliances, and understanding how to brush your teeth with braces.
Potential Oral Health Issues & How to Prevent Them
#1: Tooth Decay
The Problem
Now that you have fixed appliances in your mouth working 24/7 to straighten your teeth, you also have a lot of extra surface area for bad bacteria to become trapped. Leftover sugar from food can stick to your brackets and wires or the hard-to-reach crevices between your teeth, which can attract acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.
The Solution
A thorough oral hygiene routine is the best way to prevent cavities during orthodontic treatment, and we’ll walk you through key elements like proper flossing and brushing techniques in the section below. You should also continue to visit your dentist every 3 to 6 months during treatment for regular checkups and cleanings.
#2: Tooth Discoloration & White Spot Lesions
The Problem
Because your brackets are directly bonded to your teeth for the duration of your treatment period, they can act as barriers that can prevent certain areas of the tooth from being exposed to the same staining agents as the rest of the tooth. (Imagine moving a couch and seeing how clean the carpet is where the feet were!) This can lead to uneven tooth color once the braces are removed, with some spots being lighter or darker than others. White spots can also form as a result of enamel demineralization, which happens when acidic foods, drinks, or bacteria break down the enamel on your teeth.
The Solution
Discovering white spots after braces can be disheartening, so avoiding foods and drinks that can stain the teeth or cause enamel demineralization is one of the best ways to prevent discoloration. Steer clear of things like coffee, tea, and other drinks that might stain your teeth until treatment is complete. Sticking to an effective oral hygiene routine also plays a role in preventing staining and ensuring your teeth are white and clean when Dr. Chamberlain takes your braces off.
#3: Soft Tissue Discomfort
The Problem
Getting used to the new structures in your mouth can take some time. It is common, particularly early on in treatment, for patients to report irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, including the cheeks, gums, and tongue. This can lead to sores and discomfort, especially when the appliances are first installed or later adjusted.
The Solution
As you get used to wearing braces, it’s a good idea to keep your orthodontic wax nearby. This soft material can be molded to fit over pokey brackets or wires. By creating a waxy, smooth surface, your cheeks and gums will be more protected from these irritants. You can also use a peroxyl rinse to soothe irritated soft tissues.
#4: Difficulty Eating or Speaking
The Problem
When Dr. Chamberlain first adheres your braces, you may experience difficulty eating or speaking for a limited period of time while you get used to the new appliances. Your teeth will likely be sore for a few days, and it may take time for your mouth to relearn how to say certain sounds, but this is only temporary.
The Solution
If your teeth feel sore following your initial appliance delivery or an adjustment appointment, stick to eating soft foods until the discomfort subsides. You can also use a warm compress or over-the-counter pain medication to reduce soreness.
When it comes to speech problems, time is on your side. You’ll naturally become used to the appliances and relearn how to speak without issue. If you want to speed the process along, you can practice saying difficult words aloud. Repeat the Rainbow Passage below until you’re back on track:
Rainbow Passage
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act as a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond his reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces
Learning how to take care of your teeth with braces is the most impactful way to reduce the risk of oral health issues during orthodontic treatment, but it requires rethinking a few steps. Here’s what a CFO-approved oral hygiene routine looks like:
Floss, Floss, Floss
Use a floss threader to gently pull the floss under the wire and between each tooth to get rid of and loosen any large food particles between your teeth. We recommend flossing at least once per day.
Rinse Your Mouth
After flossing, it’s a good idea to rinse out your mouth to loosen any leftover food particles that may be stuck in your teeth. Using a tool like a Waterpik can help dislodge these particles and prepare your teeth for the next step: brushing.
Brush 3x Per Day
While you might only have to brush your teeth twice a day without braces, brushing at least 3 times a day is necessary to prevent oral health issues when wearing braces. Using a 45-degree angle, gently brush your teeth along the gumline and around the brackets in a circular motion. You’ll need to pay special attention to each side of the bracket as well as in between the brackets to ensure a thorough clean.
Dr. Chamberlain recommends using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush in order to clean your teeth effectively without damaging your appliances or enamel. You can also use a proxabrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas and use a prescription-strength anti-cavity toothpaste at night for best results.
Check Your Work
Be sure to look at your teeth and appliances in the mirror to make sure you’ve brushed thoroughly. You may also want to use disclosing tablets to turn any remaining plaque a visible color, making it easier to verify the success of your brushing technique.
Straighten Your Smile with Chamberlain Family Orthodontics
Brushing with braces can be challenging at first, but with the Chamberlain Family Orthodontics team on your side, you’ll get expert tips and support throughout your treatment process. If you’re ready to get started with your own straight smile journey, we’re ready to help. Contact us to schedule your free braces or Invisalign consultation today!
