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James Karpac Orthodontics
Dublin Office

Gahanna Office

Mon (Gahanna) 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tue (Dublin) 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wed (Gahanna) 7:30am – 4:00pm
Thu (Dublin) 7:30am – 4:00pm
Fri / Sat / Sun closed
James Karpac Orthodontics

The Importance of Having Good Oral Hygiene with Braces

Maintaining good oral hygiene is so important, but it is absolutely crucial with braces! The brackets and wires are responsible for guiding your teeth into placement, so it’s important that we care for them so that they can do their job well. If left uncared for, braces can create further problems for your oral health, including plaque build-up, staining, and decay.

Here’s how you can promote a bright healthy smile throughout your orthodontic treatment plan:

Avoid Acid Build-up on Teeth

People who wear braces are more susceptible to oral health problems than those who don’t. Demineralization is a condition that occurs when food particles that are trapped on the teeth come into contact with bacteria and creates acid. In turn, the acid takes the calcium and phosphate from the tooth and leaves scars that outline where the braces once were. If you don’t brush frequently, plaque will accumulate around the brackets and if it isn’t removed, it will remineralize around the bracket and cause cavities. 

Stay on Track with Your Treatment Timeline

While wearing braces, it becomes imperative that you are brushing regularly and cleaning your brackets after every meal. Poor oral hygiene may even extend the amount of time you wear your braces if you experience problems such as cavities, gum disease, or decalcification of the teeth. If necessary, they may have to remove your braces entirely if your gums become inflamed. It is important to follow the correct care and treatment, and to speak with your doctor if you experience any tooth sensitivity. 

Establish a Good Oral Health Routine

Maintaining good oral health is important regardless of whether you have braces or not. Braces are ultimately meant to straighten your smile and correct jaw alignment to give you a smile that you can feel proud of! While brushing and cleaning your teeth with braces is vital, it should also continue even after your orthodontic treatment is over. In doing this, you should be brushing your teeth regularly, flossing daily, and scheduling checkups and cleaning every six months.

If you are considering braces for yourself or your child, you’ve come to the right place! At James Karpac Orthodontics, we specialize in orthodontics for children and adults. Book an appointment with us to see about the options available for you!