Avoiding Cavities When You Have Braces

How your orthodontist in Portage, Michigan can help you prevent tooth decay when you have braces.

When you are going through orthodontic treatment, it’s even more important to practice great brushing and flossing habits. When you brush and floss regularly, it helps you avoid cavities.

Your orthodontist can help you avoid cavities too. Dr. Thomas Kwong of Kwong Orthodontics in Portage, Michigan offers a wide range of orthodontic services, including preventive services to help you avoid cavities.

Plaque is the enemy of your smile, especially when you have braces. The plaque has millions of harmful bacteria which create bacterial acid. This acid is strong enough to eat through tough tooth enamel, giving you a cavity.

So, how do you avoid cavities when you have braces? The truth is, wearing brackets and wires provides a perfect place for bacteria to thrive.

You can disrupt the bacteria and avoid cavities if you:

• Brush after meals and before bed; with braces, it may be helpful to use a sonic or electric toothbrush because the pulsing action helps to clean around brackets, flushing out plaque and food debris.
• Floss at least once each day; when you wear braces, it’s necessary to use a flossing tool, called a threader. A threader is a thin loop which is made of flexible plastic. You place the end of the floss inside the open loop. You guide the loop up under the orthodontic wire, so the floss is right next to your tooth. Then, floss your teeth normally, re-threading the loop each time you move to a new tooth.
• Regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist can help too. Your dental care providers can show you all of the latest tricks, tools, and techniques to help you prevent cavities while you wear braces.

Practicing great oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the keys to having a straight, beautiful smile free of tooth decay.

To find out more about cavity prevention before, during, and after orthodontic treatment, call Kwong Orthodontics in Portage, Michigan at (269) 327-4459.