Dental Teeth Straightening Can Help to Prevent Plaque Build-Up

Most people associate teeth straightening treatment with enhancing their smiles; however, treatment can also be used to improve oral health. When the teeth are crooked, gapped, or crowded, the result can be difficulty performing oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of plaque, which ultimately can destroy both the teeth and gums. Thankfully, with the help of a general dentist, teeth straightening can be performed to improve oral health and the way the smile appears. 

Avoid plaque build-up by undergoing teeth straightening

Below is an overview of how teeth straightening treatment can prevent plaque build-up. This information should be reviewed by individuals who are looking to improve their oral health by undergoing braces or clear aligners. 

Why plaque is dangerous

Plaque is the result of poor oral hygiene. When food gets left behind or when sugary and acidic beverages are consumed, the teeth and gums can become negatively affected. There will be a build-up of plaque in between the teeth, on the teeth, or along the gumline. 

In the case of crooked or crowded teeth, plaque is a lot more likely to build up between the teeth. Both of these abnormalities create hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, which makes oral hygiene quite difficult to perform in the proper way. Improper oral hygiene will likely lead to plaque formation. 

If plaque is not dealt with immediately, over time, it can turn into tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque, which is next to impossible to remove without intense dental restorations, such as fillings or crown placement. 

How teeth straightening can help

Teeth straightening treatment can be quite helpful in improving oral health and preventing plaque from developing. When crooked or crowded teeth are straightened out, those hard-to-reach areas are no longer existent. Instead, they will be evened out, thus allowing for floss and brush bristles to easily access in between the teeth. 

Of course, the teeth straightening treatment will take time, which means throughout the process, plaque is still a potential. This makes it just as important to practice good oral hygiene as best as possible. 

Other things to know

When it comes to teeth straightening to prevent plaque build-up, it is important to realize that a lot of the responsibility still lies up to the individual. Even after teeth straightening treatment, plaque is still a possibility. To fully prevent it, general dentists recommend treatment followed by an intense oral hygiene routine every day. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and rinsing a few times a week. 

Talk to a general dentist

A general dentist is the best resource to utilize when needing to undergo teeth straightening treatment. They can perform an evaluation to determine the best route to take for treatment that is personalized for you. The evaluation will also allow the dentist to answer any questions or go over any concerns. To find out more or to get scheduled for an appointment, reach out today. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.markwjohnsondds.com or call Mark W. Johnson, DDS at (505) 933-6764 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office. 

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