How to Look After Your Teeth When Wearing Braces

If you, your child or another family member is experiencing crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, it may be time to consider orthodontic treatment. Whether it’s traditional braces or custom-made clear aligners such as Invisalign, there are many effective options that come at affordable dental prices.  

Whichever option you choose, dental hygiene is key. Failing to help your kids practice good dental hygiene while wearing braces can lead to oral problems.

These can include: 

• Plaque buildup
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Demineralization

Practicing good dental hygiene while you have your braces on is essential for avoiding any complications and ending up with great looking teeth. No matter how much money or time you’ve invested in your orthodontic treatment, proper dental hygiene is key to walking away with a beautiful, healthy smile.

Dental Hygiene for Kids Wearing Braces

Bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease are just some of the oral conditions that can affect you if you don’t practice good dental hygiene. This is just as true, if not more so, when you are wearing braces.

To care for your braces properly and help reduce the amount of plaque buildup on your teeth, here are a few dental hygiene practices for kids & adults you should ALWAYS follow:

• Clean your teeth/rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal or snack
• Make sure to clean all the surfaces of your teeth
• If you are wearing removable braces, such as Invisalign, take these out to make brushing and flossing easier
• Avoid hard, chewy and/or sticky foods while wearing braces
• Use a fluoride mouthwash daily
• Be sure to clean your removable braces as well as your own teeth
• Floss at least once a day

If your child is wearing braces, it’s crucial that you follow these 7 kids dental hygiene practices to ensure they finish their orthodontic treatment with healthy gums and teeth.

The Negative Impact of Poor Dental Hygiene While Wearing Braces

At Marlborough Dental Centre, we strive to provide quality orthodontic treatment at affordable dental prices. However, if your child doesn’t follow the necessary dental care, the cost of the treatment and risk of oral disease will significantly increase

Here are just some ways in which poor dental hygiene while wearing braces can negatively impact both your oral and overall health:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, more commonly known as gum disease, is the first stage of periodontal disease. While it’s usually painless, there are certain symptoms such as bleeding or swollen/puffy gums that may indicate your child has it.

Encouraging your kid to practice dental hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing around the gum line or gently massaging their gums can greatly reduce their risk of developing gingivitis.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis. This is an infection and inflammation in the gums which spreads to the bones that support the teeth.

It will cause the gums to start pulling away and forming pockets between your teeth, allowing more plaque to accumulate.

Decalcifications

Decalcifications, sometimes called ‘white spots’, are the stain marks around your braces. They are often permanent so the best way to avoid them is to not let them develop at all.

The best way to do that? Brush, brush, brush!

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

Orthodontic treatments have improved significantly over the years with a wave of new products and technologies helping people achieve a beautiful smile over a shorter period and at great dental prices!

Invisalign is a custom-made clear aligner and a great alternative to traditional dental braces. It can be used to treat a number of concerns such as:

• Overly crowded teeth
• Widely spaced teeth
• Simple bite irregularities
• Mild relapse (after a traditional braces treatment)

Dental Hygiene & Invisalign

One of the biggest advantages of selecting Invisalign clear aligners is the ability to remove your aligners when eating, drinking and brushing your teeth. While traditional braces can add many complications to your kid’s dental hygiene routine, Invisalign offers convenience and comfort if you follow these simple guidelines:

• Brush and floss twice daily (removing your aligners will greatly simplify this task)
• Following your dentist’s instructions about how to clean your aligners
• Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist

Call Now

To find out more about the dental prices of our orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign, call our Calgary dental clinic today at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.