By Sharon Williams
If you are on a journey to get a perfect smile with braces, you are on the right path. Along the way, you may come across a few common problems with braces. But that shouldn’t stop you from seeing the bigger picture – a perfect set of straight teeth.
The good news is that these common braces problems are entirely avoidable if you take a few preventive measures. In this article, we’ll talk about 7 common problems you may experience while wearing braces and how to prevent them.
1. Swollen Gums
It is normal to experience swollen gums with braces. It can last for 2-3 days after receiving new braces or regular adjustments.
How to Avoid: Gargle with warm saltwater. Massage the swollen gums lightly. Use a soft toothbrush to gently rub the gums and mouth.
2. Staining
If proper oral hygiene is not maintained, the teeth may get stained. This can be a problem when the braces come off to reveal a color contrast – the parts of the teeth covered with braces will be whiter as compared to the rest of the teeth.
How to Avoid: Brush after every meal. Avoid foods that are known to stain. Floss and use mouthwash regularly.
3. Bad Breath
If food gets stuck in your braces, it is difficult to remove it. This gives the bacteria a perfect breeding ground to form plaque, which can cause bad breath or halitosis.
How to Avoid: Follow your orthodontist’s food restrictions. Avoid food that can get easily stuck to your braces. Brush immediately after every meal. Vigorously rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you absolutely can’t brush.
4. Cavities
The food stuck in your braces may cause plaque, making your teeth susceptible to cavities.
How to Avoid: Eat foods that are braces-friendly. Brush after every meal. Avoid sodas.
5. Demineralization
When the bacteria present in the mouth attacks the food stuck in the braces, demineralization occurs. The attack leaches out phosphate and calcium from the teeth, causing decalcification or white scars. This may make your teeth sensitive.
How to Avoid: You can avoid demineralization by brushing after every meal, cutting on soda and foods that can get easily stuck in your braces. Flossing once a day is a must.
6. Speech Impediments
A new set of braces might leave you with a temporary speech impediment. This may go away with time as you get adjusted to your braces.
How to Avoid: You may apply dental wax to the braces brackets to give a better glide and smoothness for speech.
7. Jaw Pain
It is normal for orthodontic treatment to leave you with a bit of pain in your jawbone, which subsides over time.
How to Avoid: Consult your orthodontist, who may prescribe over-the-counter pain medication.
Tips to Prevent Common Braces Problems
The best way to prevent these common braces problems is to maintain proper oral hygiene and follow the diet restrictions instructed by your orthodontist. Some general tips to help you stay on top of thing:
- Floss daily. You may use special floss that helps clean around your braces.
- Make sure you brush at least for two minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t forget to replace it within three months.
- Rinse with water or mouthwash after brushing.
Sharon Williams’ day job is to handle digital marketing for Koch Orthodontics in Lawrenceville, GA. With a flair for creating compelling content that clears the clutter and connects with the audience in an instant, she writes about dental topics to educate and help her readers. She truly believes that a genuine smile can win a million hearts and talks to her readers about improving their smiles and overall dental health, as well as enhancing their overall lifestyle. In her free time, she likes to organize small meets in her neighborhood where she brings people together to discuss various topics that she writes about.
The Editorial Team at Lake Oconee Health is made up of skilled health and wellness writers and experts, led by Daniel Casciato who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We aim to provide our readers with valuable insights and guidance to help them lead healthier and happier lives.
