Oral hygiene and orthodontics

A few facts about dental hygiene and orthodontics

• Orthodontic appliances as such do not cause tooth decay, decalcification or gum disease but can contribute to the retention of food particles and dental plaque.
• Tooth decay and decalcification spots are due to bacteria present in dental plaque.
• Unless the debris is completely removed, there may be problems such as tooth decalcification or discoloration as well as gum disease.
• White spots on teeth also known as tooth decalcification can grow up to become cavities if oral hygiene is not improved.
• Although variation may exist in individual susceptibility to tooth decay, the best way to prevent cavities and decalcification is to properly follow oral hygiene guidelines that we will give you.
• During the installation of orthodontic appliances, we will give you very precise oral hygiene instructions. We will demonstrate tooth brushing techniques and supply you with various types of toothbrushes. You will have all the tools you need to achieve an excellent oral hygiene.
• We recommend that you continue to visit your dentist regularly during your orthodontic treatment.

No matter how much effort we put into cleaning and preparing your teeth before the installation of the appliances, only proper and continuous oral hygiene will contribute to keep your teeth clean and healthy. We will correct the position of your teeth but the maintenance of your teeth and orthodontic devices is your responsibility! Brush your teeth well, keep good oral hygiene and you can participate in our hygiene contest and maybe win some prizes while keeping your teeth and mouth healthy!

Dental plaque, a mass of bacteria

• Several types of bacteria are normally present in the mouth. In fact, the mouth is the place in the human body where you will find the largest variety of bacteria! These bacteria are regularly found on the surface of the teeth. Shortly after tooth brushing, a soft and sticky deposit composed of proteins from the saliva is formed on the tooth surface.
• This film allows certain bacteria to build up on teeth. Later, other types of bacteria will join them to create “colonies” which can become increasingly large. The bacteria will, in turn, produce an organic matrix that protects them from the outside environment.
• If nothing prevents the growth and reproduction of bacteria, the colonies grow and become visible to the naked eye within a few hours. This is the white or yellowish material that is sometimes visible on the teeth.
• Only mechanical action like tooth brushing can remove these bacteria. Improper toothbrushing not only leaves bacteria on the teeth but also food debris that can feed bacteria (especially sugar).

• In addition, bacteria metabolism produces acid that attacks the tooth enamel by dissolving its surface and demineralizing it, causing tooth decay. If dental plaque remains long enough on the tooth surface, it incorporates minerals from the saliva and hardens into tartar.
• Tartar, it’s no picnic! At this point, the mineralized plaque (tartar) is very hard and the only way to remove it completely is to see your dentist or dental hygienist for a professional cleaning (using ultrasonic and hand scalers, and curettes).
• Click the video above to see live bacteria from dental plaque under the microscope. It is even more impressive if you watch it in full screen! Appetizing, right? This is what could be crawling on your teeth…

Not only teeth, gums too!

Bacteria in dental plaque and tartar that are near the gum line will gradually cause inflammation in that area (redness and bleeding of the gums). This will eventually promote gingival recession and can affect the bone that supports the teeth. The best way to avoid these problems is to break the chain reaction of bacteria as soon as possible by developing and maintaining good oral hygiene habits.