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The Importance of Flossing with Braces
You still have to do essentials like brushing your teeth while wearing braces. Specifically, flossing is crucial because it removes things from your teeth that would otherwise remain after brushing and mouth washing. However, you need to learn how to floss properly when wearing braces in order to prevent any damage to your teeth and gums. To get the best results, you need to floss at least one to two times a day.
Here is the importance of flossing while wearing your braces...
Stop tooth decay
Braces create new crevices that bacteria and food particles can cling to. Over time, these substances can accumulate between the teeth resulting in serious problems. Your teeth could eventually start decaying faster if you do not floss. Simple brushing and rinsing with mouthwash may still leave debris and sugar between the teeth and around the braces. Regular flossing can help you prevent tooth decay while having your braces on.
Protect your braces
It is important that you keep your braces clean. Excessive sugar, bacteria, and food accumulation on your teeth can actually destroy your braces over time. This can affect the effectiveness of your braces, even forcing them out of place. Failure to floss over a long time can actually degrade your braces too. Consider flossing frequently in order to protect your braces so they can last as long as possible.
Prevent gum infection
One of the greatest risks to your dental health is gum infection. It is important that you do everything you can to prevent gum disease while having your braces on. A gum infection can rot your teeth below the gum line. This can result in uncomfortable pain, persistent bleeding, and staining of the teeth. Studies have also associated gum disease with the release of bacteria into your bloodstream, which can cause inflammation and actually increase your risk of several coronary diseases.
Keep your teeth attractive
You want to have bright, healthy, and attractive teeth when your braces are finally removed. Allowing bacteria and plaque buildup around your teeth and braces can result in discoloration that is stubborn to remove. The removal of staining and plaque could require costly treatment when your braces are finally removed. Regular flossing keeps your teeth looking clean and as attractive as possible.
Flossing is vital to your dental health when you are wearing braces. Because braces may trap sugars, food, and plaque over time, it is imperative that you brush, floss, continue seeing your general dentist for regular cleanings, and continue seeing Dr. Fruge for orthodontic guidance and adjustments.