At Stroope Orthodontics, we offer both metal and clear braces (where the brackets are translucent) so that you can decide which works best for your alignment needs and lifestyle. But while braces are great for straightening, they can pose some challenges to cleaning your teeth thoroughly. Therefore, during your treatment you may be tempted to do a sub-par job or skip brushing entirely.
In this blog post, we explain what can happen if you don’t brush your teeth properly and consistently when you have braces.
You Can Develop Gingivitis & Tooth Decay
Plaque is constantly forming in your mouth. This sticky film consists of bacteria, saliva, and food particles left in your mouth. If not removed from your mouth with regular brushing and flossing, the plaque accumulates and produces acids that damage your teeth and gums.
Poor brushing can result in gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis develops when the tissues around the teeth become inflamed due to a buildup of plaque. Warning signs include redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding when brushing and flossing.
If your brushing does not improve, irritated gums can become infected and begin to pull back from your teeth. And decay will become pits called cavities. These issues are painful and will lead to tooth loss without treatment.
Your Teeth CAN Become Sensitive
If your teeth and mouth are already tender because of your braces treatment, poor oral hygiene will only make things worse!
Teeth sensitivity occurs when the sensitive inner layers of your teeth are exposed. This can happen if your gums pull back from your teeth or if a cavity forms in the hard, outer layer of your teeth, called the enamel.
Without the protection of your gums and enamel, your tooth’s nerve endings can become irritated by pressure, cold weather, and foods and drinks that are hot, cold, sour, or sugary.
Your Teeth CAN Become Discolored
If you don’t remove plaque from your teeth with regular flossing and brushing, it will harden into tartar. Tartar will cause your gums to become irritated and inflamed, but will also stain and discolor your teeth.
Additionally, the discoloration will be irregular and splotchy because of your braces’ brackets are bonded to the center of your teeth. And you wouldn’t want the middle of each tooth to be a different color than the rest of your tooth when you get your braces removed!
YOU CAn DEVELOP BAD BREATH
Braces easily trap food particles between the wires and around the brackets. Thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth after meals will remove any stuck food particles. However, if you aren’t practicing good oral hygiene habits every day, the food particles will sit in your mouth and start to stink as bacteria feeds upon them.
Consult with Our Team!
If you have questions about the best way to keep your teeth clean during your braces treatment, Stroope Orthodontics is here to help. Contact us today. We would love to hear from you.
