Introduction
Dental braces are a common orthodontic procedure used to treat malpositioned or malaligned teeth. Braces are made up of metal, ceramic, or plastic, and the whole treatment can take from a few months to two years, depending upon the problem. During the entire treatment, it is essential to take care of braces and maintain proper hygiene to get the desired results.
Cleaning braces properly is also vital as they require a special toothbrush and careful cleaning. Maintaining good oral hygiene is a crucial factor in getting the desired results of orthodontic treatment.
What Toothbrush to Use For Braces?
Brushing teeth is important with or without braces, but with braces, it becomes imperative because there is an increased risk of impaction of food particles in the brackets and plaque formation. For this purpose, a regular toothbrush is not sufficient to clean the brackets and hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, a toothbrush with a small head will be a good option because it will give easier access and clean the gum line margins better.
Braces can cause discomfort, especially in the first few days, so choosing a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles can minimize discomfort and soreness. It is also recommended to select a brush with rounded bristles proven to cause less oral damage than other bristle shapes. They are designed not to be too hard on oral tissue, including gums and teeth. Apart from all these things to keep in mind while getting a toothbrush for braces, some toothbrushes are designed specifically for braces that perfectly fit and clean between the wires and brackets. However, a small toothbrush with soft bristles can also do the job well.
How to Clean Teeth Properly With Braces?
Brushing
When it comes to brushing with or without braces, it is recommended to follow a two-by-two plan, two times a day for two minutes each time. But if you can brush after every meal, it will be best because, with braces, the food particles get stuck in brackets that have to be cleaned. Choose fluoride toothpaste as it protects against tooth decay.
Start brushing at the gum line holding the toothbrush at 45 degrees angle towards the gums. After gums, hold the toothbrush at a downward angle to clean the top of brackets and upward to clean the bottom of the bracket. Use a light circular motion with back and forth movements to properly clean all the areas of teeth and braces.
Flossing
Regular flossing is as important as brushing to maintain good oral hygiene. It can be a bit tough with braces, but it is an important part of oral hygiene. It helps remove any buildup of plaque and smaller food particles stuck between teeth or in braces. You can use flossing tape, flossing thread, or interdental brush for flossing.
Foods to be Avoided
With braces, care must be taken while eating certain hard or masticating foods because they can break the braces. Hard and crunchy foods such as hard rolls, apples, or nuts that require an effort to bite must be cut into smaller pieces before eating. Sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel, or candies that stick to the tooth surface for a longer time must be avoided. Sugary foods can promote demineralization and result in tooth caries.
Dangers of Not Taking Proper Care
Braces require a lot of care and cleaning. The rubber bands, spring, and wire all act like magnets for food particles. If not taken care of properly by regular brushing and flossing, it can result in conditions like:
Plaque
With or without braces, if regular brushing and flossing are not done, plaque can build up. Braces can increase the risk because the food particles can get trapped in the brackets more as compared to teeth without braces. Plaque can progress to tartar, decay, or gum disease.
Gingivitis
Not maintaining oral hygiene with braces ultimately increases the risk of developing gingivitis.
Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene due to trapped food particles, plaque build up, can cause bad breath. The bacteria in the food particles cause bad breath, which can be removed by brushing and flossing.
What Casualties Can Happen And What to do With Them?
Braces are considered a safe orthodontic treatment, but there is always a risk of complications or casualties associated with any procedure. Some of the common risks associated with braces are:
Allergic Reaction
Patients can be allergic to the material used for braces. If there is a known allergy, it is better to tell the dentist beforehand. But if there is an allergic reaction after applying braces, then the braces need to be replaced with an alternative material.
Gum Disease or Tooth decay
With braces, the cleaning of teeth and braces is a bit difficult, and if not cleaned properly, plaque can build up, which leads to decay and gum disease. Therefore it is recommended to brush and floss regularly after every meal.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These are common due to contact with metal brackets and wires on the inner lips and cheeks. Some patients may develop canker sores where the sensitive areas of the mouth rub against braces. The orthodontist will prescribe medication to reduce pain and irritation.
Decalcification and Cavities
Decalcification is the appearance of white spots on teeth due to damage to the enamel, causing discoloration, leading to cavities. Damage to enamel results from plaque buildup, which can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene.
Conclusion
Braces are a common and safe way to treat many dental abnormalities. But with braces, a lot of care needs to be taken for getting the results. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the foremost thing that can prevent all the other problems and complications associated with braces. Choosing the right toothbrush can help in the proper cleaning of teeth and braces. If oral hygiene is not maintained, it can result in gum disease or tooth decay, which prolongs the orthodontic treatment and lead to undesired results.