Preventing White Spots from Braces
What You Can Do to Enhance Your Oral Health While Wearing Braces
Anyone who has had braces, or knows someone who has had braces, knows about the white spots that are often present after the braces are removed. In addition to wanting to know how those spots form, those who will be getting braces will likely want to know how to prevent these spots. Generally, they form from a lack of proper oral hygiene while the braces were on, causing plaque to build up on the teeth and cause white spots to appear around the braces.
Follow Proper Oral Hygiene, With a Few Additions
One of the biggest things an individual can do to prevent white spots on their teeth is to practice proper oral hygiene with a few additions to your routine. First, make sure you are using a fluoride toothpaste and brush as well as flossing after every meal. Flossing may seem hard with braces but your orthodontist should be able to provide you with a special floss threader that can be useful around the braces. After brushing, make sure to check carefully for any food particles you may have missed.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
When it comes to the additional things you can do to keep your teeth clean with braces, make sure to follow the advice and instructions your orthodontist provides you. These dental professionals know what it takes to keep your teeth and mouth clean even with the obstruction of braces and will only have your best interests and oral health in mind. If you have concerns about your oral hygiene or need help learning how to properly brush and floss with braces, don’t be too shy to ask for some extra assistance.
Avoid Acidic and Sugary Foods
Since it is decidedly harder to brush teeth with braces, try your best to avoid acidic foods or sugary snacks whenever possible. Sugary foods, candies, carbonated soft drinks, acidic foods, and sticky snacks can cause damage to not only your teeth but can also cause damage to the braces and, since it is harder to reach every section of your mouth, it is possible that the sugars and acids will sit on the teeth longer. When acids and sugars sit on the teeth, they cause decay and cavities which can be painful and costly.
Do you or your child have white spots from braces? Need help from a dentist to make sure you address these issues? If you are avoiding the dentist because you don’t have insurance, consider using New Hampshire discount family dental plan. For more information, please click here.
*Photo Courtesy of monica y garza via Creative Commons License
