When you have braces or clear Invisalign® aligners, you’re on the journey to better oral health and a more attractive smile. But you also have a risk of tooth decay should certain food particles become trapped in your orthodontics. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist has a few tips on protecting your smile during Thanksgiving and other holiday meals.
The Complications of Braces and Invisalign®
When we have braces, food particles can become trapped in them. When this occurs, they’re trapped for harmful bacteria to begin breaking down, a process that leads to plaque buildup and with it, an increased risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease, not to mention bad breath and teeth stains! While Invisalign® has the beneficial ability to be removed before meals, we still need to make sure our smiles are clean before we put our aligners back in, otherwise these particles are now trapped for bacteria to reach. But we have a few tips to help protect your smile!
Sugar and Starch
During Thanksgiving and other winter holidays, people will be consuming lots of foods high in sugar and starch, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, cobbles, pies, and more. These allow sugar and starch to cling to the teeth or become stuck between them, available for bacteria to consume to create plaque and cause tooth decay. But you can help by balancing your plate with fresh fruit and veggies. Many fruits contain a lot of water, which helps rinse your mouth. Rougher options, like fresh apples, carrots, and broccoli, can help scrub away particles as you consume them. You should also drink water with your meal to help rinse away particles too!
Better Oral Hygiene Routines
If you have braces, it’s paramount you take time to properly brush and floss around them, reaching between the brackets and wires and thoroughly clean the teeth. If you have Invisalign®, then again make sure you’re brushing for two minutes in the morning and before bed, and using a fluoride toothpaste when you do. You also need to floss every evening as well, removing what a toothbrush may not reach.
If you have any questions about protecting your smiles during the holiday season, then contact our team today to learn more and enjoy your holidays with a healthy smile.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
We would like to help you maintain good oral health throughout the year. If you have any questions about enjoying good oral health during the holidays, or if you would like to schedule an appointment soon, 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.
