There is no doubt about it – it is harder to keep your teeth clean if you wear braces. It’s unfortunate when patients with braces develop tooth decay while simultaneously trying to improve their smile with braces. A classic example of one step forward and two steps back.
The Perfect Environment
The brackets and wires on traditional metal braces create hard to reach places where harmful bacteria can thrive. If brace wearers don’t pay continual and careful attention to dental hygiene in San Diego, their teeth can be permanently damaged. The cycle of decay goes like this:
- Food particles are trapped in the tiny spaces in and around the wires
- The bacteria in the food particles multiply
- The bacteria creates plaque
- The plaque erodes the enamel
- Cavities form
Teeth are not the only thing at risk here. San Diego orthodontic patients can also develop gum disease which can progress quickly into periodontitis and eventual bone recession and tooth loss.
Staying On Top of Dental Hygiene in San Diego
The Bottom line here is that orthodontic patients need to be vigilant about a healthy diet and effective dental hygiene in San Diego. Most of our patients with braces know that they should avoid sticky, sugary foods that stick to their braces, but some don’t realize that any carbohydrate-based food turns into sugar. Thus, a cracker can be just as bad for your teeth as a Tootsie Roll if the particles are not removed.
Brace wearers should also watch their intake of highly-acidic foods and beverages. Though some acidic foods are very healthy – think tomatoes, oranges, raspberries – it is wise to substitute less acidic foods that contain similar nutrients. There are few beverages as harmful as soda and sports drinks, both of which have the detrimental duo of acid and sugar.
Marcos Ortega DDS provides quality general and cosmetic dentistry including dental crowns, dental implants, and sedation dentistry. Our thoughtful team is committed to oral health and dazzling smiles. If you are new to the San Diego area, we invite you to call us at 619-295-4545 to schedule an exam and cleaning. Our team looks forward to meeting you.
Contact Marcos Ortega DDS:
619-295-4545
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
306 Walnut Ave Ste 25
San Diego, California
92103