Doesn't your orthodontist tell you about cavities? We teach you how to prevent cavities during orthodontic treatment! " 365 Dentist

Last updated on February 26, 2023

Patient.

Doctor! I heard that the orthodontist won't tell me if I have a cavity during orthodontics,

Really?

dentist

During orthodontic treatment, the risk of tooth decay is higher with the device on the teeth, so if your orthodontist really doesn't tell you about cavities, then I would be concerned.
This time,Let's talk about how to deal with and prevent tooth decay during orthodontic treatment!

Table of Contents

Dealing with cavities during orthodontic treatment｜Does the orthodontist tell me about cavities?
1. If the cavity check is left to general dentistry.
2. Dental caries difficult to find in orthodontics
Problems with cavities during orthodontic treatment
When to treat cavities during orthodontic treatment
1. Small cavities
2. Large cavity
How to prevent tooth decay during orthodontic treatment
Talk to your orthodontist about dealing with cavities during orthodontic treatment.
1. relevance

Dealing with cavities during orthodontic treatment｜Does the orthodontist tell me about cavities?

'Doesn't your orthodontist tell you about cavities?'

Basically, orthodontists also recommend treatment when they find cavities.

However, it is possible that the detection of cavities may be delayed for a variety of reasons.

If the cavity check is left to general dentistry.

Some orthodontists check their dentition thoroughly every month, but leave tooth decay to their general dentists.

In such cases, orthodontic treatment may be performed without mentioning tooth decay.

Dental caries difficult to find in orthodontics

Orthodontists do not perform every dental checkup.

If there is decay between teeth or under fillings,

It is often not apparent at first glance that a cavity is present, and is often discovered by having a general dentist examine the area.

Problems with cavities during orthodontic treatment

For wire orthodontics
- Brackets and wires may get in the way and prevent proper cavity treatment
- Brackets and wires need to be removed depending on the location of the cavity.
Mouthpiece orthodontics
- If the shape of the teeth changes due to cavity treatment, the mouthpiece will need to be remade.

When to treat cavities during orthodontic treatment

If cavities are found during orthodontic treatment, orthodontics and general dentistry will consult with each other.

Depending on the size of the cavity, it may be necessary to temporarily remove wires and brackets or remake the mouthpiece for treatment.

Therefore,The orthodontist will determine the urgency and timing based on the presence of pain and the post-cavity orthodontic situation.

Small cavities

Small cavities with a narrow hole in the tooth are often treated simply by shaving the tooth slightly and filling it with dental resin.

Because it is also less likely to cause pain,Prompt treatment at a time that does not interfere with orthodontic treatment, and resumption of orthodontic treatment immediately after cavity treatment.I will do so.

Large cavity

If the cavity is large enough to cause a hole in the tooth and pain,Immediately stop orthodontic treatment and concentrate on cavity treatment.I will do so.

Large cavities are often ground down and metal or ceramic fillings or coverings are placed on the teeth.

Treatment requires a minimum of two to three visits, and in the case of a cavity that reaches the nerve of the tooth, four or more visits are required, so it takes at least one month before orthodontic treatment can be resumed.

How to prevent tooth decay during orthodontic treatment

During correction,The brackets and wires make it difficult to brush teeth, and the mouthpiece reduces saliva circulation, which increases the risk of tooth decay.

Be aware of the following tips to prevent tooth decay during orthodontic treatment.

Brush teeth carefully and frequently.
Maintain a cavity-free lifestyle.
Get regular cleanings.

Brush teeth carefully and frequently.

The accumulation of food debris and plaque can lead to tooth decay.Brush your teeth carefully and often.

For wire orthodontics, be careful around brackets and under wires.

In the case of wire braces, food debris and plaque can easily accumulate around the brackets and under the wires.

After the meal,Brush your teeth carefully with a toothbrush or one-tufted brush.

Mouthpiece orthodontics must be brushed before wearing.

In the case of mouthpiece orthodontics, if the mouthpiece is worn without brushing, food debris and plaque can stagnate on the teeth, greatly increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Always brush your teeth before putting on the mouthpiece.

If brushing is not possible, gargle vigorously with water or mouthwash and wear the mouthpiece with as little food debris as possible.

Then brush your teeth when you can and wash the mouthpiece as well.

It is recommended to receive tooth brushing instruction at the dentist's office.

Dentists and dental hygienists, who are professionals in the oral health field, can give you advice on how to brush your teeth efficiently and thoroughly.

They will guide you on the best method for you, depending on the orthodontic appliances you are using and your lifestyle,Once orthodontic treatment begins, it is recommended that the dentist or dental hygienist teach you how to brush your teeth.It is.

Maintain a cavity-free lifestyle.

Cavities feed on sugar in food and drinks to dissolve teeth.

The longer the teeth are exposed to sugar, the more time the caries bacteria have to be active, which increases the risk of tooth decay.

If you are in the habit of eating long, lazy snacks or drinking drinks that contain a little bit of sugar, you are more likely to get cavities.So, be careful.

Get regular cleanings.

Since tooth brushing becomes more difficult during orthodontic treatment, there are many stains that cannot be removed by self-care alone.

Tartar buildup can induce tooth decay and gum disease and cause bad breath,It is a good idea to have regular cleanings at the dentist's office.

Cleaning also leads to early detection of cavities.

However, if the cleaning is performed at a different dental office than the orthodontic clinic where the patient is having orthodontic treatment,It is advisable to consult an orthodontist before going to the hospital.It is.

If a cavity is found during a cleaning and is treated without consulting an orthodontist, it may interfere with the orthodontic plan.

If a cavity is found, consult an orthodontist first for instructions, unless it is an extreme emergency.

Talk to your orthodontist about dealing with cavities during orthodontic treatment.

During orthodontic treatment, the use of orthodontic appliances such as brackets, wires, and mouthpieces makes it easy for stains to accumulate on the teeth and difficult to remove for several years.

Since the risk of tooth decay is higher, brush your teeth carefully to prevent cavities,If you have a cavity, consult your orthodontist as soon as possible.

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