When you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent dental issues such as cavities. However, despite your best efforts, cavities can still occur. So, what happens if you get a cavity while wearing Lake Shore braces?
Here are some of the problems you will face:
Increased Difficulty in Cleaning: Having braces makes it more challenging to clean your teeth thoroughly. The wires and brackets create nooks and crannies where food particles and plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities.
Cavity Formation: If oral hygiene practices are inadequate, cavities can develop. Cavities, also known as dental caries, are areas of decay on the surface of the tooth caused by bacteria feeding on sugars and producing acids that erode tooth enamel.
Potential Complications: Cavities, if left untreated, can lead to various complications, especially when you have braces. If a cavity is not addressed promptly, it can progress deeper into the tooth, potentially reaching the pulp, causing pain, infection, and even abscess formation.
Risk of Demineralization: Braces can contribute to a condition called demineralization, which involves the loss of minerals such as calcium and phosphate from the tooth enamel, leading to white spots or decalcification. This demineralization occurs when plaque accumulates around the brackets and interacts with sugars from food, producing acids that attack the enamel.
Prevention is Key
Dealing with cavities while wearing braces can be challenging, which is why prevention is always the best approach. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities while undergoing Lake Shore orthodontics:
Maintain Meticulous Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth after having a snack or meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and around the braces.
Use Interdental Brushes or a Water Flosser: These tools can help clean hard-to-reach areas around the brackets and wires.
Avoid Sugary and Acidic Beverages and Foods: Minimize your consumption of sugary snacks, candies, sodas, and acidic drinks, as they can promote cavity formation and demineralization.
Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist can detect cavities early and provide timely treatment.
Consider Additional Preventive Measures: Your orthodontist might recommend additional preventive measures such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants to protect the teeth during the treatment.
While getting a cavity with Lake Shore Invisalign® can be concerning, it’s essential to address it promptly to prevent further damage to your teeth. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene and seeking timely dental care, you can minimize the risk of cavities while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Don’t put off your dental check-up any longer! Book your appointment now with Kuhni Orthodontic Studio for a healthier smile. For more information, call (801) 798-6000.
