Back In Plaque: Why Brushing And Flossing Are So Important If You Have Braces


If you've just gotten braces as an adult, you might not realize that your daily brushing and flossing routine is now one of your most important self-care strategies. Not only does the brushing and flossing help your general oral health, but they also help your teeth move more easily and with fewer complications. If you don't brush and floss -- both of those, and not just brushing -- your braces could end up becoming more of an albatross than an advantage.

Calcifications and Staining

Braces make it easy for bits of food to hide right next to the surface of your teeth, out of reach of your toothbrush and floss if you're not very careful. The continued contact between the food and your tooth enamel can lead to calcifications, or white spots, and staining. These are permanent and don't go away without cosmetic intervention. That means that when the braces eventually come off, you'll have these spots that mar your smile. Even if the spots are small, you'll know they're there. Brushing and flossing carefully each day can help reduce, if not completely eliminate, the chances of developing these spots.

Interference

Not brushing and flossing properly can lead to plaque formation, which is not only a cavity risk, but also an interference risk. Plaque deposits can physically interfere with your tooth movement, making the braces' job much harder. The result is that you have to wear the braces for longer and keep going back to the orthodontist for more and more checkups. The orthodontist can spot the plaque, but if you're one of the many patients who isn't going back as often as needed (this is fairly common), then the orthodontist doesn't have much of an opportunity to help you.

Cavities and Bone Loss

And speaking of cavities, if you don't brush and floss well, you could develop cavities and bone loss in your jaw, as well as gum inflammation, that make your teeth less predictable in how they move. The teeth may need to be filled, which can be tricky when you have all the brace metal around them, or you could end up needing a root canal, or even an extraction-- all of which can interfere with how the braces move your teeth.

Start looking at your brushing and flossing routine now. Ensure that you're brushing correctly -- your dentist or orthodontist can go over technique with you again -- and that you are flossing thoroughly. You should also go see your orthodontist frequently so he or she can adjust the braces more often.  

About Me

The ABCs of Teaching Kids About Dental Hygiene

As a parent, my mornings typically start by fighting my children about brushing their teeth. By the time we get to flossing, I am exhausted. After searching online and talking to other parents, I discovered that my children were not the only ones who hated brushing and flossing. I talked to our family dentist to learn of ways to encourage them to take care of their teeth. I created this blog to help other parents find the information they need to encourage their children to practice good dental care. With the right guidance, you can find a way to get your kids excited about dental hygiene.

Search

Latest Posts

30 October 2024
Maintaining optimal oral health goes beyond just having a radiant smile. Dental care is an essential component of overall health and well-being, impac

1 August 2024
Going to the orthodontist may not be at the top of your list of favorite things to do, but it is an important step in maintaining a healthy smile. Whi

23 May 2024
Dental implants have become a popular option for replacing missing teeth in recent years. While traditional dentures and bridges are still c