Does getting braces lead to getting more cavities? our daughter has had braces for a few months now, and though she cleans as the orthodontist says, it just seems to me like she's having a difficult time keeping her teeth as clean as normal. is there anyt

Braces : Braces do trap more food than normal, so the level of home care will have to be upgraded in order to maintain the same level of hygiene. Meticulous brushing after meals and particularly before bedtime is critical. The use of superfloss ( a piece of long floss attached to a stiff theater similar in shape to the ends of a shoe lace) could make it easier to floss. In addition to the above nightly Fluoride rinse ( act or phos-fluor) are an added protection against cavities and white stains. Regular check ups at the family dentist and in-office application of fluoride, must be strictly maintained throughout the orthodontic treatment. I hope this helps and good luck.

Yes! : Yes! your daughter could use a sonicare tooth brush and a hydro flosser. The technology is excellent and really helps prevent cavities, white spots and gingivitis during orthodontic treatment. I personally love the new foaming toothpastes that get into all the nooks and crannies like scrubbing bubbles. Since your daughter is at a higher risk of getting cavities while in her braces, a flouride rinse is usually perscribed and recommended to be used daily. If she is having a hard time keeping her teeth clean as normal... Recommend that she bring a regular toothbrush to school or brush after school. In addition, you might want her to visit her general dentist nore than just every 6 months while in braces. Having an extra professional cleaning definately will keep cavities at bay. Good luck. Lynann mastaj, dmd.

This : This is an old challenge, why straighten the teeth if we are going to have to crown them afterwards any way. Having orthodontic hardware cemented to your teeth dramatically increases the cleaning challenges, but nothing beats brushing , flossing and rinsing. I strongly recommend power brushes for patients with bands, and i know a lot of my colleagues favor the rotodent for use with braces. But any of the electric brushes should make a dramatic improvement. I hope that helps. Dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

Not necessarily: As long as your daughter is brushing and flossing regularly to remove all plaque, then she will not be susceptible to getting more cavities (than she would be without braces). 6 month visits to her regular dentist should continue while she is in braces.

Mechanical brush: We give all our patients an oral-b triumph brush with a 2 minute timer built in. In addition daily flossing is imperative.

It is more difficult: We spend more time reviewing "care and feeding of braces" than we do putting them on at the delivery appointment. Oral hygiene with braces is difficult, it is difficult for many people without braces! it is more about spending the appropriate amount of time and diligente application of the brush and floss. We recommend Fluoride rinse every night to compensate for any deficiencies in brushing.

Brush and floss: Orthodontic appliances do not directly cause cavities, they certainly make it more difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene levels however. Whether a $200 electric toothbrush or a $2 manual brush, it is the carefulness and agility (they will to do it) that makes it possible. Any brush and floss used effectively will eliminate any possibility of decalcification. Good luck jule.

Not really: It's up to you. Braces don't make cavities, but: 1. If you do not clean well around the braces food & bacteria will get trapped, especially between the braces and the gum line, and can make cavities, and 2. If you eat hard, sticky, chewy foods you can partially dislodge braces, allowing bacteria & food to get behind the braces resulting in cavities. So fully follow your orthodontists advice.

Yes if not clean: A patient with braces can have a harder time keeping them clean, it certainly is more difficult. Due calcification around the brackets occasionally occurs if hygiene is not adequate and more diligent home care, oral rinses, and possibly Fluoride rinses are indicated to save the teeth from harm.

Brushing with Braces: Proper brushing will prevent cavities while wearing braces. Your concern with daughter difficulties in brushing with braces may be true for braces do trap food particles next to teeth and can result in white spots and cavities. If your orthodontist has not recommended a waterpic.Com go on line and see how it helps ortho patients. This addition to brushing will assure no cavities or white spots.

Avoid wive's tales: Brushing and flossing help to prevent or manage gum disease mechanically. Tooth decay is primarily a chemical process. No amount of brushing will prevent tooth decay if your diet is high in sugar/sweets or acid (soft drinks/lemonade)--especially if you take meds that dry your mouth--or if you suffer from gerd, or heartburn. Fluoride rinses help to increase acid resistance of the teeth.