Orthodontic treatment aims to improve the smile and optimize masticatory function by correcting tooth alignment.
However, during and after treatment, there can be unfavorable outcomes such as cavities, periodontal disease, tooth devitalization, root resorption, TMJ problems, and enamel damage.
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment are prone to dental caries, leading to difficulties in chewing and early tooth loss, ultimately affecting their overall quality of life.
Teeth mineralization is common in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, which jeopardizes the aesthetic benefits of orthodontic therapy.
Despite the decreasing global prevalence of dental caries, orthodontic treatment is still a decisive risk factor for dental caries. Plaque builds up on fixed orthodontic appliances, encouraging demineralization of enamel and dental cavities.
The impact of braces on oral hygiene
It is more difficult to clean your teeth properly when wearing braces. Bacteria may grow where food particles are trapped around brackets and wires, accumulating plaque, which may later solidify into tartar and aggravate tooth decay.
Increased risk of cavities with braces
Dental caries is a common disease caused by acidic byproducts from different microorganisms demineralizing dental hard tissues. While dental caries can be reversed in its early stages, most cases remain permanent defects that affect function and appearance and, in extreme cases, result in tooth loss if not treated.
Often known as early dental caries, white spot lesions are orthodontic treatment’s most frequent side effects. Younger patients, like adolescents and children with mixed dentition, are more prone to developing dental caries due to their immature tooth enamel and lack of oral hygiene.
Orthodontic treatment is considered a risk factor for dental caries, as fixed orthodontic devices increase the surface area to which plaque can attach and are difficult to remove completely.
Those with braces are more likely to get cavities because maintaining good oral hygiene can be more difficult. The regions surrounding the brackets are harder to clean with a toothbrush and more susceptible to deterioration if not properly cared for.
Practicing good oral hygiene while wearing braces is important to prevent cavities. Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings. Water flossers and interdental brushes can also help with braces to clean plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach places.
Proper Oral Hygiene Practices with Braces
Brace wearers must brush with extra care and attention to prevent damage to the wires and brackets. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and gently move it in a circular motion to clean around the wires and brackets, paying close attention to the area where your teeth and gums meet. Brush after every meal to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup immediately.
Flossing is required to clean plaque and food debris from between teeth and around dental wires. To do so, you must slide the floss under the wire, curving it around each tooth and moving it up and down to remove plaque.
Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel. These oral hygiene practices can reduce the risk of cavities and maintain a healthy smile during orthodontic treatment.
Dietary Tips to Minimize Cavity Risk
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Sticky food, hard foods, and sugary drinks can harm teeth with braces and should be avoided.
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gummies can get stuck around brackets, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of cavities.
Avoid chewing on hard foods like nuts, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and ice, as they can damage braces.
Limit sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices. They contain an excessive amount of sugar, which contributes to the chances of developing tooth decay.
What are cavity-causing substances to steer clear of?
Excessive sugar: Reduce your intake of sugary snacks and desserts, as Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities.
Starchy foods can break down into sugars, creating a favorable environment for bacteria. Limit bread, pasta, and potatoes.
Reduce your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and vinegar-based foods, as they can erode tooth enamel.
Nutritious Alternatives for Maintaining Oral Health
Incorporating foods rich in nutrients such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Vitamin D, and Fiber helps maintain a strong tooth structure and fight cavities.
Calcium-rich foods provide essential calcium for strong teeth.
Phosphorus-rich foods contribute to tooth remineralization.
Vitamin D: This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium. Fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products are good sources.
Fiber-rich foods: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promote saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
Making conscious food choices and maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly reduce your risk of cavities while wearing braces.
Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings
Importance of frequent dental visits during orthodontic treatment
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home, orthodontic treatment patients should also schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. These exams allow the dentist to assess and treat any possible issues promptly.
Professional cleaning to prevent cavities
Plaque and tartar can build up around braces over time but can be removed using specific instruments and techniques. Regular dental cleanings lower the infection risk and reduce the harmful bacterial load, which helps prevent cavities.
Monitoring for early signs of cavities and addressing them promptly
Dental caries can be challenging to detect during orthodontic treatment because orthodontic appliances miss the opportunity for timely treatment. A meta-analysis of 14 studies found that 45.8% of newly developed dental caries lesions occurred during orthodontic treatment.
Patients who need more motivation to practice oral hygiene should not be advised of orthodontic treatment since it increases their risk of dental caries, particularly in younger patients. However, according to a recent study, orthodontic treatment does not increase the risk of tooth cavities if a proper oral-care regimen is followed.
Dentists can detect early cavities that you might miss. Early detection means timely treatment can treat cavities with less invasive procedures. Regular check-ups allow for close oral health monitoring and prompt intervention if necessary.
Additional Tips for Preventing Cavities with Braces
Using orthodontic-friendly dental tools
Using orthodontic patient-specific dental tools for efficient cleaning around braces is important. Among these are the following tools:
Interdental brushes: These tiny brushes can reach under brackets to clean food particles from between teeth and around wires.
Waterpik: Using a water flosser to massage the gums and loosen food particles gently can help.
Maintaining proper hydration is important for oral health
Staying hydrated is essential for general oral health. Saliva has natural antibacterial qualities, and water helps wash away food particles. Consuming adequate water throughout the day can help lower the risk of cavities.
Addressing any discomfort or issues promptly with a dental professional
Promptly addressing discomfort or issues during orthodontic treatment can prevent complications and lead to a successful treatment. Watch out for persistent pain, loose brackets or wires, sore gums, difficulty eating or speaking, and allergic reactions. If the pain persists, contact your orthodontist.
When you contact your orthodontist regarding any such issues, describe the problem in detail, including when it started and the associated symptoms. Depending on the severity of the situation, they suggest a solution without you visiting them or scheduling an emergency appointment to assess the problem and provide necessary adjustments.
