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Home care to prevent tooth decay during orthodontics

• Hamed
• Shahrivar 15, 1404
• 7:22 p.m
• no comment

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why is orthodontic care vital?

When a fixed orthodontic device or an orthodontic bracket is installed on the teeth, the patient enters a critical period of several months to several years, the result of which can be a beautiful and healthy smile and, if neglected, a series of oral and dental problems including tooth decay, white enamel spots, gingivitis, and bad breath.

One of the main reasons for these problems is the change in the natural conditions of the mouth with the installation of brackets. Orthodontic brackets and wires create a lot of space for food particles to get stuck and bacteria to multiply. For this reason, orthodontic specialists always emphasize that the prevention of tooth decay during orthodontics is an integral part of the success of the treatment.

According to clinical studies, among patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment with brackets, those who did not adhere to orthodontic home care had 70% more decay or stains on their teeth. This statistic shows that just installing a bracket is not enough and maintenance and oral hygiene is vitally important in this period. Compliance with hygiene principles, which are mostly done at home and by the individual, will guarantee the successful results of dental orthodontics.

Why does orthodontic bracket increase the risk of tooth decay?

From the point of view of dental science, brackets create an environment with numerous micro-angles and unevenness on the tooth. These structures cause:

• Getting food particles more often than normal teeth.
• Bacterial plaque forms faster, especially along the gum line and around brackets.
• Saliva can hardly wash these areas.

The combination of these three factors causes more acid production by bacteria and the acid dissolves tooth enamel. The first sign of this process is a chalky white spot on the tooth (White Spot Lesion), which if not treated or prevented, will turn into complete decay.

The first principle: precise and scientific brushing with orthodontic brackets

Choose the right toothbrush

• V-shaped orthodontic toothbrush: It has a shorter middle groove that cleans the area around the bracket better.
• Having a pocket toothbrush is essential for when you are out of the house, so that you can use it after every meal.

Special bracket brushing technique

1. Pull the toothbrush above the bracket at an angle of about 45 degrees to clean the gum line and above the bracket.
2. Then place the toothbrush under the bracket and move with the opposite angle to clean under the wire and bracket.
3. Brush each tooth separately and circularly.
4. Brush your teeth at least 3 times a day and for two full minutes each time.

The second principle: using dental floss and auxiliary tools to clean difficult spots

Why is ordinary dental floss not enough?

The presence of orthodontic wire makes it difficult for ordinary dental floss to pass between the teeth. As a result, many patients skip interdental cleaning, which multiplies the risk of caries.

Alternative and complementary tools

• Super Floss: dental floss for orthodontics that has a hard part like a needle.
• Interdental brush: for cleaning around brackets and between teeth.
• Water Jet (Water Flosser): a device that removes plaque and food with water pressure.

The third principle: proper diet during orthodontics

High-risk foods

• soft and sticky sweets like caramel and sugar gum
• carbonated soft drink, energy drink, industrial juice
Dry and crunchy snacks like chips and puffs

Healthy alternatives

• Fresh fruit instead of dry fruit
• softly chopped nuts, instead of coarse pieces

The fourth principle: the key role of fluoride

• Fluoridated toothpaste: daily use
• Fluoride mouthwash: every night

The fifth principle: home checkup and regular visits to the orthodontist

Check your teeth every week in the mirror and under natural light.

• Warning signs: white spots, swollen gums, sensitivity or discoloration
• If you notice any symptoms, call your orthodontist right away, even if your next appointment isn't coming soon.

Common mistakes of orthodontic patients at home

1. Not brushing after eating snacks
2. High consumption of sugary drinks as energy
3. Neglecting the use of dental floss
4. Wrong use of a toothpick that can damage the wire and bracket and inflame the gums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can seeds or nuts be consumed during orthodontics?

Yes, but you have to be very careful because these foods can bend the wire and cause the bracket to come off.

Is mouthwash alone enough?

No, mouthwash is only a supplement and should be used together with a toothbrush and floss.

How many times a day should you brush your teeth?

At least three times: after breakfast, after lunch, and before bed.

Final summary

Home care during fixed orthodontics is the key to successful treatment and lifelong dental health. By observing the principles of washing, using auxiliary tools, limiting high-risk foods and using fluoride, in addition to achieving a neat smile, you can also keep the tooth enamel healthy.

Dr. Foroughi's orthodontic clinic accompanies its clients to achieve the best results by providing personalized oral hygiene programs, practical training in brushing techniques and detailed monthly check-ups. In this clinic, preventing caries is as important as fixing teeth, because nothing is more beautiful than a healthy and perfect smile.

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