Many think braces are a cosmetic dentistry tool but can positively impact oral health. This article will explain how braces can improve dental hygiene, reduce your risk of gum disease, and more.
Bacteria that build up in the spaces between teeth can cause several issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. Luckily, braces can help space your teeth out properly so that you can effectively brush and floss between them. Go to a braces doctor frequently to ensure you are doing everything right.
Better Oral Hygiene
If you’re currently wearing braces, or thinking about getting braces near me, then you know how important it is to keep your mouth clean. This is especially important if you want to avoid cavities and gum disease.
Brushing and flossing are vital to maintaining good oral hygiene. These routines help to eliminate food debris and bacteria that can cause bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth decay.
However, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine with braces can be challenging. This is because braces create spaces that trap food particles and bacteria, making it harder to remove them.
Reduced Risk of Gum Disease
When crooked or crowded teeth are nudged into an ideal position with braces, it makes flossing more accessible and reduces the risk of gum disease. When the teeth are correctly aligned, it also prevents bone and tissue from eroding.
However, some people experience oral health problems while wearing braces. These issues can be caused by food stuck in the braces, particles, and plaque build-up around the brackets.
Gum disease is a common yet severe infection of the gums that can result in tooth loss, gum recession, and damage to the jaw bone. It typically develops in the spaces between your teeth due to improper brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to accumulate.
While braces are not a permanent solution to gum disease, treatment can be effective if the infection is caught early. Regular dental checkups and brushing and flossing daily with fluoride toothpaste can dramatically reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
Better Digestion
One of the first mechanical steps that food goes through is chewing. Chewing thoroughly (at least 15 to 20 times) is crucial for ensuring that food is digested properly and smoothly throughout your digestive system. It may also help to chew on the back of the mouth, where salivary enzymes work most efficiently to break down food.
Other factors affecting digestion are insufficient water, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. These can lead to malabsorption, constipation, and other problems related to your gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, foods such as caffeine and sugar can harm gut health. Finally, eating six smaller meals daily is recommended to accommodate the natural speed of your digestive process and avoid overwhelming it.
Better Speech
The ability to speak well is essential to many people. For some, it is a matter of self-esteem and social engagement with friends and family. For others, it is a matter of societal acceptance. Regardless of the reason, being able to convey your thoughts and feelings can make a world of difference in your quality of life. Better oral health can help you achieve this goal by promoting good dental care. The best way to improve your oral health is by scheduling regular checkups with your dentist.
Increased Confidence
One of the biggest things many people worry about is how their smile looks. It can affect everything from a person’s love life to their career.
Crooked teeth, gaps in the teeth, and misalignment can all hurt your confidence. These problems can be embarrassing, making it difficult to smile and talk openly in front of others.
In addition to improving your appearance, braces also improve the overall health of your teeth. Crowded teeth make it difficult to brush and floss properly, increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Improperly aligned teeth can also lead to indigestion as large chunks of food cannot be chewed and digested correctly. This causes the intestines to become irritated and can result in digestive problems such as stomach pain and bloating.
