06/12/2026
Braces fix spacing & bite issues & give you a beautiful straight smile. We all love straight teeth! However, without proper oral hygiene, braces increase the likelihood of both cavities & gum disease.
Ortho brackets, wires, & hardware create plaque traps on teeth. If oral hygiene isn’t meticulous, this plaque bacteria buildup around the brackets & gum tissue can cause chalky white spots on the teeth (weakened enamel), cavities, puffy red bleeding gums, & even significant gum tissue overgrown which may need to be surgically removed.
Oral hygiene during braces is more important than ever (especially in our younger patients). Be certain to have a regular cleaning & exam prior to AND during your orthodontic treatment.
During your exam, if our hygienists or Doctors notice increased plaque buildup or cavities & you have braces on your teeth, we may recommend:
1) Additional cleanings while in orthodontic treatment, more often than every 6 months. Some insurance plans have benefits toward additional cleanings each calendar year.
2) The use of an electric toothbrush to better keep teeth clean at home.
3) FLOSSING
4) The use of stronger prescription strength fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen weakened enamel.
5) In office fluoride (strengthens enamel) treatments during your cleaning appointment.
6) In some extreme cases, we may even speak with your orthodontist & recommend that they remove your braces and delay treatment until proper home care is displayed.
We work very closely & have great relationships with our two wonderful Orthodontists here in MHK & we all want the same for our patients. Straight teeth AND healthy teeth 🤝
