An Orthodontic Treatment Can Make Oral Hygiene Easier and More Effective

You may first think of orthodontic care as a cosmetic approach. Indeed, straightening teeth, reducing crowding, and repairing bite dysfunctions can restore your smile. This can improve your self-esteem too. But there are also effects on your oral health. If you have crooked teeth or overcrowding, it can be difficult to clean them. As a result, it is common for decay and disease to develop.

Misaligned teeth and other similar conditions can be embarrassing. A person with these issues may want to avoid social settings. It can also be difficult to brush crooked teeth. To brush effectively, a person needs to hit every part of each tooth. This is challenging when the teeth are not aligned properly. Decay can follow, leading to the possibility of tooth loss.

It is also challenging to floss crooked or crowded teeth. Weaving the floss through each tooth is the most effective way to dislodge food particles and other debris. It may be difficult or even impossible to do this when the teeth are not straight. Gum disease commonly follows when a person does not floss well.

Orthodontic treatment can straighten crooked teeth. This aligns the teeth correctly, making for an attractive smile. It also helps with proper brushing. When the teeth are straight, no parts of any tooth are hiding behind another tooth or obscured in any way. The person can hit the front, back, and top with the brush and fluoride-based toothpaste. This strengthens the enamel and protects against cavities.

It is not unusual for a person to spend more time brushing than flossing. While brushing should occur at least twice a day, flossing should be a daily activity. People with crooked or crowded teeth struggle with this habit. Because of the difficulty of getting the floss in between the teeth in these conditions, the person may become frustrated and stop flossing.

With the help of orthodontic treatment. The teeth spread out and straighten properly. Reaching back teeth is less of a challenge. Getting the floss all the way in between teeth is more manageable. The effects are good for the person’s health, as flossing prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Dentists recommend that children as young as age 7 should start orthodontic treatment. The dentist will begin by examining the patient’s bite. X-rays can reveal how the permanent teeth will erupt and whether they will be crooked. The earlier a person begins treatment, the fewer dental problems will occur. The patient will more likely have good oral hygiene from a young age.

Developing good oral hygiene should start from the time a child has teeth. But brushing and flossing can be a challenge when you have misaligned, crowded teeth. The good news is that orthodontic intervention can relieve these issues. You can restore your smile and avoid cavities and gum disease.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistrypeoria.com or call Peoria Family Dentistry at 623-552-4665 for an appointment in our Peoria office.