When your braces are removed, you might find that your smile is straight but possibly stained or damaged if prevention of tooth decay was neglected. Our top-rated Columbia orthodontist recommends the following tips for preventing tooth decay and ensuring a clean smile after your orthodontic treatment!
Sticky, sweet foods are not allies to your optimal oral hygiene when wearing braces. Sticky foods loaded with sugar are going to linger longer behind and between crevices provided by braces. Sugars in the mouth feed plaque and allow it to grow. Cleaning braces properly can be challenging, so our orthodontist in Columbia, PA, suggests avoiding sticky treats to make the task easier.
Even if a beverage can’t get “stuck” in your braces, the high sugar and/or acid content of a drink can leave a residue in your mouth for plaque to thrive on. Sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, sugary coffee drinks, and sports drinks are examples of beverages our orthodontist in Columbia PA suggests you avoid. If you do drink these, consider using a straw to minimize contact with the teeth, and rinse your mouth with water after. Especially avoid drinking these after brushing your teeth before bed at night. Prolonged exposure to sugar overnight can have negative effects on your oral hygiene with or without braces.
Inevitably, you may forget to pack a toothbrush or be away from a sink between meals, but do your best to keep up with brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. The less amount of time food is granted to sit in your mouth, the less bacterial buildup there will be. White spots are often present on teeth after braces are removed because acids from bacteria had the opportunity to destroy and discolor the enamel. Don’t give bacteria the chance! Brush often, and consult our 5-star Columbia orthodontist if you are concerned about proper cleaning techniques.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact Spark Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office location near Columbia PA, by clicking here or by calling 610.223.7777.
Our Bethlehem, PA Orthodontic Office: 610.223.7777
Our Reading, PA Orthodontic Office: 610.735.0177
Our Schnecksville, PA Orthodontic Office: 610.735.0177
Our Schuylkill Haven, PA Orthodontic Office: 570.385.1344
Our Lancaster, PA Orthodontic Office: 717.295.9779
Our York, PA Orthodontic Office: 717.848.4599
Our Hazleton, PA Orthodontic Office: 570.455.5011
Our Danville, PA Orthodontic Office: 570.275.6075
Our Freeland, PA Orthodontic Office: 570.636.1101
Get The Smile You've Always Dreamed Of!
Spark Orthodontics can help you or your loved one achieve a smile that benefits dental health as much as it increases confidence. However, we want you to feel confident that your choice in an orthodontist in PA, is the right one. Follow the steps below and get that smile you have always dreamed of.
