What are the chances I have tooth decay under my braces?

Alex B
#1. May 16th, 2008, at 9:13 PM.

Im sorry i dont know.. Do braces hurt?? they look like they do.. im goin to need them soon..

medsave40
#2. May 19th, 2008, at 1:32 AM.

should have brushed

lois d
#3. May 21st, 2008, at 5:58 AM.

being thar long why has the dentist not taken them off for at least a cleaning.

Angelica
#4. May 24th, 2008, at 4:10 PM.

I think at this point in your life you don’t have tooth decay but brushing once a day, whether or not you have braces, is a good way to get tooth decay. Right now, I think your teeth might be a little stained and your teeth might be a little whiter where the brackets are when you get them off but nothing to extreme. I ‘ve had braces on for about 20 months and I had the same concern. I have an electric toothbrush (oral-b triumph) and I’ve found that it gets my teeth & braces cleaner than a manual toothbrush, the only thing is that it’s pricey ($90-$120). I also get my teeth cleaned once every 3 months. Continue brushing your teeth often especially after you eat, avoid soda, and floss EVERY night and I think you should be ok!

jociemom
#5. May 25th, 2008, at 8:11 PM.

You can’t get decay “under” you braces because the brackets are cemented to the tooth. But you can get decay all around the brackets and between your teeth because 95% of people with braces do not floss.
When you brush your teeth, devide you tooth in half (imaginary of course). Anyway, brush above the bracket and make sure you touch (message) your gums when you do this. Then brush below the bracket near the chewing surface.
When flossing, make sure you use a floss threader. Or if flossing is to rough and time consuming. Swish with a peroxide/mouthwash solution. Mix ½ peroxide and ½ mouthwash together. (Peroxide can burn your gums if used straight and it tastes HORRIBLE) Swish until you can’t handle the foaming in your mouth any more. This will get between your teeth and under your gums.

As for the damage that you may have already caused to your teeth. Look at your teeth cardfully and see if you have and chakly white areas. These areas are called decalcification and it is considered pre-dacay. Decalcification occurs when plaque lays in a area too long and it “sucks” the calcium out of the teeth. If you have this, go to the pharmacy and buy a fluoride call Gel-Kam. Gel-Kam is a non perscription fluoride that behind the pharmacy counter. This fluoride will strengthen and remineralize the areas that may have damage caused by not brushing.

nancy s
#6. May 26th, 2008, at 7:44 AM.

Have you been having regular cleanings during this past 2 years? If yes, did the hygienist tell you that your teeth were not clean enough? Do you drink or eat a lot of sweet stuff? You may have some areas that are etched white called decalcification or precavities after brackets are removed. They aren’t necessarily true cavities and won’t need to be filled. I call them tire tracks because they are all in a row where the brackets were. Don’t worry about it, most likely you’ll be OK. Nothing you can do about it now if there is decay. The dentist will fix them and that’ll be it. JUST KEEP STAYING SCARED AND CONTINUE TO BRUSH! Maybe use some over the counter fluoride rinses or if you’ve been given any prescription fluoride…use it. Watch the soda pop. Drink very little of it and rinse out with water after wards if you do. Good Luck!