When you wear braces, it is almost inevitable to encounter some sort of issue at one point or another during your treatment. Wearing braces can affect more than just your appearance. As a matter of fact, your speech and oral hygiene are likely two areas that will be most impacted by this treatment. Still, these patients need to maintain good oral hygiene, no matter how difficult it may seem. In this article, you will learn about the importance of undergoing teeth cleaning near you while wearing braces.
Oral hygiene while wearing braces
Oral health habits become more important than ever when you have braces. The reason for this is that plaque and tartar tend to build up more easily around your brackets, and this increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal and flossing daily. It is very easy for food to become lodged between your teeth and your braces, so you should make sure that you are being thorough while brushing. Some people find it difficult to floss while having braces. Thankfully, nowadays, other options can make this process easier, such as water flossers.
A huge part of having good oral hygiene relies on having regular checkups at a dentist in Toronto. These should be more frequent in people undergoing orthodontic treatment than in the general population because they are more prone to plaque and tartar buildup. Generally, it is recommended for these patients to visit their dentist every 3 months for routine dental cleaning.
What does this entail?
If you are about to undergo a dental cleaning in Toronto and you have braces, rest assured that even though it may seem like an intimidating procedure, your dentist is qualified to perform it. They will be extremely delicate and careful to prevent any damage to your braces or discomfort. First, your dentist will apply some numbing cream over your gums to reduce any discomfort. Afterward, they will use a dental instrument called a scaler to remove all the plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth, your gum line, and around each bracket. This is where they will find the most buildup. Once they have finished this step, they will carefully floss your teeth trying not to touch your wires. This is possible thanks to a looped tool.
As the final step of your teeth cleaning in Toronto, your dentist or oral hygienist will administer a fluoride treatment. A tray with a fluoride gel or foam will be applied to your teeth. This chemical is very beneficial to your oral health because it can remineralize and strengthen your enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth that is affected by tooth decay. Also, it prevents bacterial growth on the surface of your teeth.
A dental cleaning is a prophylactic procedure. However, while your dentist removes your plaque and tartar, they will thoroughly examine your mouth, looking for signs of any dental issues such as dental cavities and gum disease. If they identify any problems, they may suggest further treatments.
What to expect after the procedure
After undergoing a dental cleaning at a dental office in Toronto, you can expect some soreness in your gums as a result of the steps required to remove the plaque and tartar. Also, your gums may bleed during the first day but will quickly heal. It is important to abstain from eating or drinking anything in the hour following the procedure since doing so can reduce the effectiveness of the fluoride treatment. Also, it is vital to maintain excellent oral health habits to limit the amount of plaque that builds up around your braces.