Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, which means many of our patients will be receiving candy and sweets. While we love the occasional sweet treat as much as anyone, we also know how sugary sweets can impact smiles, especially smiles wearing braces. In today’s blog, we’re talking about steps our Fort Worth, TX, patients can take to protect their smiles from cavities during orthodontic treatment.
Candy and Tooth Decay
Candy contains lots of sugar, which leaves behind particles on or between your teeth. When oral bacteria break down these particles, the amount of oral acidity in your mouth increases. The teeth also become coated in plaque buildup. A bacterial byproduct, plaque weakens tooth enamel, increasing the risk of erosion and eventually, tooth decay. People then suffer from toothaches, tooth sensitivity, and other oral health complications.
Caring for Smiles with Braces
A lot of the candies and sweets we consume on Valentine’s Day and after contain caramel and other sticky ingredients. These ingredients can become stuck to our teeth or trapped in our orthodontics, allowing sugar particles to remain in your smile and broken down by bacteria. You then suffer from cavities, which not only causes discomfort, but could increase the risk of infection and other negative complications.
Preventing Cavities If You Gave Aligners or Appliances
First, patients with braces should try to avoid sticky and chewy candies, opt for options that are easier to clean from your orthodontic. Even better, try to find healthier treats, such as sugar free gum, low fat yogurt, or nuts and fruit. You also need to thoroughly brush your teeth twice daily for about two minutes each session. Flossing before bed and cleaning in and around your orthodontics also helps. Drinking water helps cleanse your smile, and contains no harmful sugars or acids.
If you have a clear aligner, then be sure your clean your teeth before you return your appliance or aligner to your mouth. Drinking water to cleanse your mouth and even a quick floss could help safeguard your smile during the treatment process. If you have any questions or concerns about avoiding cavities or protecting your oral health during the orthodontic treatment period, please give our team a call today. We want to make sure all patients, from kids to adults, enjoy even smiles and better oral health.
SAFEGUARDING SMILES IN FORT WORTH
We want to help our patients stay free of tooth decay and other oral health issues during treatment, whether they have braces or clear aligners. To schedule your consultation and discuss care options, please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, Springtown, and all surrounding communities.
