A common doubt that lingers in everyone’s mind about braces is whether it accelerates tooth decay. It is a fair argument as the braces can inhibit proper brushing and flossing, and hence the doubt. Is there an element of truth in it? Let us check.

Do Braces Pose any Risk at all?

Not really. The braces do not pose any risk at all when compared to the benefit they offer over long term.

• Food particles can definitely get trapped between the braces and teeth. As we all know that trapped food particles are the primary source of bio-film that can develop into plaque. This can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum diseases.
• If the food is more acidic, they can stay in minute quantity along the braces only to wear your tooth enamel more.

How to reduce the risk of tooth decay

• Cut down on sugary junk food. This should anyways make you healthy apart from ensuring a stronger teeth. It is noteworthy to mention that whether you wear brace or not, sugary and sticky food are said to cause tooth decay.
• Brush your teeth after every meal to ensure that no food particles are sticking out of your braces. Use soft bristles to brush away the food particles. You can also use specialized orthodontic tooth brushes. Your dentist would anyways recommend after the braces are worn.
• Flossing might be a tad challenging when you wear braces. The dentist would let you know how to floss when your are wearing braces. Spend that extra minute to floss yourself well. There are specialized water flosses available to make flossing easier. You can get hold of one.
• Last but not the least, do not forget to rinse your mouth with a good mouthwash recommended by your dentist. Mouthwash definitely helps to get rid of those stubborn food particles that still cling on to your teeth crevices.

Cleaning during regular visit to dentists

Despite taking all precautions to keep the teeth clean, the stubborn food particles might be sticking to crevices between the teeth and the braces. Those who wear braces would anyways visit their dentist once a month. During the dental sitting, the dentist would anyways clean these stubborn food particles that are stuck.