It's the day your child has been anticipating for almost two years.
She is finally getting her braces off! As her name is called from the
waiting room, she can hardly hold back her excitement, knowing that
within the hour she will have a straight, metal-free smile. What could
ruin this day?
If your child has been taking care of her teeth, then all should go
according to plan. However, Dr. Herbert Hughes of Hughes Orthodontics
in Alexandria, Va., says that too often when the braces come off, marks
or "white scars" are left behind. "Most of the time, these white scars
can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene," says Dr. Hughes. "As an
orthodontist, I try to be very proactive in notifying patients that they
can take an active role in making their smile as beautiful as possible."
What Are White Scars?
White scars look like little white squares that outline the area where
braces once were. "It's important for people to know that braces do not
cause staining," says Dr. Hughes. "Food left on teeth comes in contact with
bacteria, which causes acid. This acid robs teeth of calcium and
phosphate, causing decalcification or 'white scars.'"
According to Dr. Hughes, anyone who does not practice good oral hygiene
can have white scars – it's not limited to orthodontic patients.
"However, people with braces are more prone to getting this
decalcification because the braces act as a 'food trap,'" he says.
Unfortunately, these stains are usually permanent. Although teeth can be
whitened to hide the stains, who wants the additional expense after
investing in braces?
Hygiene Habits
There are certain steps everyone should perform daily to ensure a white
smile and healthy teeth: brushing, flossing and eating healthy foods.
"Establishing an oral hygiene routine is critical when wearing braces,
both in the morning and evening," says Susan DesPain of St. Louis, Mo.
She and her daughter, Maggie, both wear braces.
When wearing braces, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
makes the following suggestions to help you and your child keep your
braces and teeth as clean as they can be:
- Be sure to brush at least four times a day (after every meal
and before bed).
- If you are away from home and unable to brush, try rinsing your
mouth after eating.
- Brush until your teeth and braces are spotlessly clean at least once
a day. This includes flossing!
- Don't forget to schedule cleanings twice a year (or more, if needed)
with your general dentist. "Patients often think seeing the orthodontist
is enough, but that's not true," says Dr. Hughes. "It's very important to
visit your regular dentist for professional cleanings while wearing
braces. Before having your teeth cleaned, your orthodontist can remove
your wires, which helps the dentist clean your teeth more effectively."
- Wash the plaque away with a fluoride rinse. "Rinsing allows the
fluoride to penetrate all of the nooks and crannies created by braces
and gets to the surface of the teeth," says Dr. Hughes. When asked if
parents should be concerned about their children receiving too much
fluoride, he says to not be worried. "I've never seen problems with
patients using both a fluoride toothpaste and a rinse," says Dr. Hughes.
"It's when they do
not use both products that problems occur." Your orthodontist can
prescribe a rinse for you, or you can purchase brands such as Colgate
Phos-Fur over the counter.
- As always, eating healthy foods is a plus for great teeth. With
braces, there are foods that should be avoided. Hard, sticky or chewy
foods (popcorn, jellybeans, taffy, nuts, etc.) can cause damage to
braces and lengthen the treatment time.
Your orthodontist may recommend other tools to help keep your teeth
clean and healthy. "We have added a floss threader to help us floss
under the archwire," says DesPain. "We also now have electric
toothbrushes and interproximal brushes, which look like mini bottle
brushes and slip under the archwire to clean."
Dr. Hughes also recommends having your child brush his or her gums
with a toothbrush, which can be done while reading or watching TV. "The
stimulation to the gums will make them healthier and prevent dental
decay in the future," he says.
These tips not only keep your teeth white, they will also keep your
gums healthy. In addition to white scars, bad oral hygiene habits can
cause gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Money Well Spent
DesPain says that her daughter is eager to take care of her braces and
oral hygiene, but Mom performs periodic checks to make sure she is
getting the job done. "Also, Maggie was inspired by her orthodontist,"
she says. Upon getting braces, Maggie signed a contract with the
orthodontist to follow the rules of taking care of her teeth and not
eating certain foods.
So make sure the money you spend on your child's braces adds up to a
straight, beautiful, white smile. Keep up the good hygiene habits and
make "Braces Off Day" everything your child anticipates it to be.
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More Tips for Healthy Oral Hygiene
- Make a travel kit containing all of the items needed to
clean their teeth. They can take this with them to school or overnight
events.
- Enforce periodic parent checks to gage their cleaning quality.
- Keep orthodontic appointments on your child's personal calendar.
- Have orthodontic supplies in the child's own bathroom, preferably
with a designated drawer.
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