As a young kid, you probably had the dreaded experience of getting braces. And once they were off, the biggest rush came when you could finally brush your teeth without maneuvering around those metal brackets and wires. You may have been diligent with brushing habits during your orthodontic treatment. Still, if you let up after your braces come off, you could be in for serious dental problems. Here’s what happens to your teeth post-brace neglect.
EFFECTS OF NOT BRUSHING TEETH WITH BRACES:
You may develop gum disease
Gum disease isn’t something to take lightly, especially when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces placement and removal can irritate your gums, and this irritation can lead to bleeding or infection if left untreated. While it’s important to brush your teeth regularly during braces treatment, it’s also essential that you don’t skip out on cleaning between your brackets and gums. Otherwise, you could risk developing a wide range of gum diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis.
You may get cavities
If you’re wearing braces, it’s essential to brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly to prevent cavities. Braces can be challenging to clean since food often gets stuck in them, so your teeth are more likely to decay if they aren’t adequately brushed daily. Even though you might know the importance of brushing while treating a cavity problem, it can sometimes be hard to make time for your daily dental care routine with all the other things going on in your life. However, skipping brushing just because you’re busy or because your braces make it more difficult is a bad idea. Not only will this increase your risk of further dental issues like cavities, but it can also affect the treatment process and prolong your time in braces.
Your breath may smell bad
Bad breath is something that most people want to avoid at all costs. After all, nothing ruins a good first impression more quickly than a stinky mouth, and it can be hard to shake off the reputation of being a smelly person once you’ve acquired one. But bad breath can often feel like an inevitable part of life for those with braces. After all, it’s easy to overlook brushing when your hands are full of wires and metal.
However, it turns out that there is a simple solution to this problem: keep brushing! While it might seem obvious, many people fail to realize that brushing your teeth after each meal and snack can help prevent bad breath. With braces on, you may be tempted to cut corners regarding oral hygiene, but your gag reflex will thank you if you don’t. So the next time you’re tempted not to brush because of your braces, remember how essential healthy teeth and gums are now more than ever! Your good breath will thank you too.
Your teeth may become yellow or stained
One of the most common concerns people have when they get braces is the risk of their teeth becoming discolored or stained. This can be a real challenge, especially if you have been diligent about brushing and flossing all your life and never expected this to happen to you. However, many people don’t realize there is a natural connection between getting braces and tooth staining. Your teeth may be more prone to discoloration during braces because they spend more time exposed as they shift into place over treatment.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can do to help avoid discolored teeth during braces treatment. The most crucial step is to ensure that you keep up with daily brushing and flossing, even if it means using a brush on a stick or other specialized tool. Other tips for preserving your smile include avoiding certain habits like smoking or drinking coffee and working with your dentist to select high-quality toothpaste that helps remove teeth stains effectively. With these simple steps in place, you should be able to laugh off any yellow colors confidently!
Care of teeth after braces implantation
Good oral hygiene is essential for anyone with braces installed on their teeth. Braces can be a great way to improve your appearance and straighten your teeth, but they can sometimes lead to a buildup of plaque or other forms of decay if not properly cared for. Thankfully, keeping your teeth clean after bracing is not tricky. All you need to do is brush and floss regularly, using special tools and techniques designed specifically for people with braces. You should also schedule regular appointments with your dentist so they can monitor your progress, as well as give you tips on how best to take care of your teeth while wearing braces. With the proper care and attention, you can keep your teeth healthy and beautiful even after having braces installed, making this procedure an intelligent choice for anyone looking to improve the look of their smile.
Conclusion
Brushing your teeth after every meal and snack is even more critical if you have braces. Without touching, plaque will build up on your teeth and gums, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. To keep your smile healthy and sparkling during orthodontic treatment, brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily. See your dentist for regular checkups so they can monitor your progress and advise on maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces.
References
Littlewood, S. J., Millett, D. T., Doubleday, B., Bearn, D. R., & Worthington, H. V. (2006). Retention procedures for stabilising tooth position after treatment with orthodontic braces. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd002283.pub3
