4 Common Issues With Braces And How To Avoid Them

When it comes to the health of your teeth, braces can be a magnificent way to improve them. Not only do braces have the affect of adding a sort of aesthetic improvement to your teeth, aligning them properly and making sure that they look nice and straight, but there is also a substantive element to braces, as well. They can actually make your teeth and gums ultimately stronger and more resilient to problems that are associated with teeth. However, this is not to say that braces do not come with a unique set of problems themselves, as they do. Listed throughout this brief guide are 4 common issues associated with braces and how you can avoid them.

Demineralization

Brushing can be a difficult proposition when it comes to braces wearers. It is more difficult to brush with braces and even more difficult to make sure that all of the food has sufficiently been removed from your teeth.

Demineralization occurs when food is left on the tooth, usually around the brackets of the braces, and can deprive the tooth of both oxygen and minerals that is desperately needs. This can cause white "scarring" on the tooth that will be present when the braces are removed.

You can prevent demineralization from occurring by making sure that you brush after every single meal, and that you adequately brush around the brackets of the braces, making sure that no food is left behind in your mouth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is not exclusive to people who wear braces, and it is actually quite common among the population in general. However, those who wear braces are acutely susceptible to gingivitis and should take precautions to prevent it.

Gingivitis is essentially the swelling of the gums, which can cause redness and irritation. Again, brushing after every meal is highly recommended, as it can greatly reduce your chance of contracting gingivitis. When you do brush, make sure you pay special attention to the area right above your braces where the braces meet the gum line. Give your gums a good scrub, but not too hard, as this can cause added irritation.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity can become an issue for a laundry list of reasons, but the primary reason why your teeth become sensitive as a brace wearer is the fact that your gum line may begin to recede, exposing a portion of your teeth that were heretofore unexposed.

This newly exposed area will be quite sensitive to the elements: everything from eating to breathing might be slightly painful or sensitive. The reason why braces wearers tend to suffer from this phenomenon is actually due to over brushing.

People that tend to brush too hard, especially around the area where the bracket meets the tooth, will find that their gum line might begin to recede. It is recommended that you brush with a lighter touch.

Tartar

Tartar is a substance that forms over the teeth over the course of a day. It can cause discoloration, meaning that your teeth can begin to turn a yellowish hue, and is generally caused by smoking or poor oral hygiene.

Braces wearers are particularly susceptible to tartar, as brushing becomes a difficult proposition for those with braces. Again, it is highly recommended that, as a braces wearer, you brush three times a day, once after every meal, as well as floss. This can prevent tartar buildup from taking place and will serve to make your teeth cleaner and healthier.

Braces wearers tend to suffer from a number of problems. Hopefully, this brief article has given you an idea of some of the problems you might suffer as a wearer of braces. Talk to an orthodontics specialist for more tips on how to properly care for your teeth while you are wearing braces.