Dentist Near Waitara
When having braces, plaque can build up more frequently on brackets and wires. Plaque is a sticky thin film bacteria that coats the teeth. If you don’t remove it whilst it’s soft, it will be very difficult to remove when it hardens and cause other dental issues.
The brackets and wires create a perfect environment for the plaque to hide. So brushing after every meal is recommended or if not possible rinsing your mouth out with water can help. The damage for poor oral hygiene when having braces can cause bad breath, swollen gums, cavities and permanent stain marks on your teeth.
It is important to keep up with your regular six monthly check up with your dentist in Waitara or more often advised by your orthodontist. Around Waitara there are a few dental practices that can offer dentists or hygienists clean. They can help remove the plaque and tartar from hard to reach places and make sure all the brackets and wires for your braces are intact.
If you have any questions on maintaining good oral hygiene with braces they can help address them. Such as tips on brushing and flossing around the brackets, and hard to reach places in your mouth.
Remember by maintaining a good oral hygiene it can prevent developing gingivitis, periodontitis and decalcifications. Gingivitis is also known as gum disease and it is the first stage of periodontal disease.
The symptoms you have to watch out are bleeding or puffy and swollen gums. It is generally painless hence can be left unnoticed. Gingivitis takes place when there is plaque build up around the gum line.
Periodontitis is when gingivitis is not treated and the gums become inflamed and infected. The gums start to recede forming gaps and pockets between the teeth allowing the bone that supports the teeth to pull away. People can end up losing their teeth if untreated.
Decalcification is a permanent white spot stain that occurs around the brackets from the braces. These lines and spots developed from decalcification are permanent, and the best way to avoid this from happening is to brush twice a day.
Brushing teeth with braces isn’t too different or more difficult than brushing teeth without braces. Use an electric toothbrush or soft bristle toothbrush to brush gently for at least two minutes.
Make sure you brush gently so you won’t damage the brackets or wires and brush after every meal to prevent food particles getting stuck on the braces. Remember to use big circular motion and brush around all areas of the teeth. This includes the front, back, side and chewing surface. Also replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner when the bristles start to fray and wear down.
Flossing is also a very important element in oral hygiene and flossing with braces can be a challenge when the wires from the braces are all connected. The key is patience and using the correct floss like a floss threader can help guide the floss through the wires and clean underneath. For better assistance you may contact one of the many dentists near Waitara such as Hornsby Dental to demonstrate.