Having braces is a huge step toward building a beautiful, aligned smile; however, caring for your teeth while you have braces can sometimes be a little tricky. It’s important to be sure that you consult with your dentist and stick to a regular cleaning routine in general, but especially if you have braces. Many people wonder if their teeth will be more susceptible to cavities after having braces, and the answer is: it depends.

Of course, there’s no simple answer to this question, because everyone is different genetically as well as in their dental hygiene habits. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why your teeth might become more susceptible to cavities after having braces and how you can prevent this from happening to you. The bottom line is, if you have braces, then it’s particularly important to take special care of your teeth.

Why Having Braces Can Increase the Risk of Cavities

In some cases, having braces can increase the risk of cavities, but not in all cases. Braces themselves do not lead to cavities, but the barrier that braces pose to the teeth underneath them is what can increase the risk of developing cavities. This is why it’s so important to schedule regular dental visits – so that you can be sure you’re taking the best possible care of your teeth at all times, thereby preventing issues like cavities and other more serious problems like gum disease. Here are some things you should keep in mind and monitor while you have braces:

• Brushing habits
• Flossing habits
• Special instructions from your dentist or orthodontist
• Routine dental visits
• Routine dental cleanings

If you stay on top of these areas, then the likelihood of developing cavities will significantly decrease. However, there are other factors that can influence whether one develops cavities or not.

What Determines Whether a Cavity Develops?

Cavities form due to prolonged exposure to sugar in your teeth, which turns into bacteria. The bacteria then corrode specific areas of the teeth, forming what looks like a small hole. You may notice that the area is especially sensitive or may even hurt – particularly when ingesting especially cold or hot foods or sweet foods. Here are some of the most common things that lead to cavities:

• Dietary habits that include a lot of sugary foods
• Inadequate brushing habits – at least twice a day
• Inadequate flossing habits – at least once a day
• Professional dental cleanings – at least once every 6 months

You might also be surprised to learn that some individuals are simply more susceptible to dental issues such as cavities, purely based on genetic predisposition. It’s important to consult with your doctor and dentist to manage your dental health, as well as your health in general. Taking specific vitamins, supplements, or adjusting your diet may be especially helpful in preventing cavities. The more you know about your genetics and general health, the better you’ll able to prevent cavities from developing!

Why It’s Important to Prevent Cavities

If you have braces, then the chances are you’ve spent a lot of time and money on your dental care. When cavities develop, they can pose a risk to all the hard work you’ve done to you’re your smile where you want it to be. Cavities are not only very uncomfortable for those who develop them, but they cause disruption to people’s lives.

If you suspect that a cavity has developed, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with your dentist and initiate a treatment plan right away. If too much time elapses before you first notice your cavity to when you consult with your dentist, the cavity can spread further into your tooth, causing the need for a root canal or another more invasive treatment protocol.

How We Can Help

Here at the Dental Group of Simi Valley, located in beautiful Simi Valley, California, we’ve been improving smiles since 1963. As a family-owned and operated practice, we value our patients and our community overall – we genuinely care about the individuals and families that walk through our doors, and it is our commitment to ensure their dental health. Preventing cavities, particularly when you have braces, is especially important – safeguarding the dental work you’ve already undergone is the main priority. If you suspect you may have a cavity, please do not hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We look forward to helping keep your smile healthy and happy.