Kaplan Orthodontics - Do Braces Cause Cavities?

Do Braces Cause Cavities?

By Dr. Jason Kaplan, Orthodontist | Owner, Kaplan Orthodontics

A frequent question we hear from orthodontic patients and parents is: Do braces cause cavities? The answer is no but orthodontic patients are at an increased risk for cavities. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on dietary sugars and convert them into an acidic biowaste called plaque. While plaque can easily be brushed away with a toothbrush, if left, it will dissolve tooth enamel and create dental cavities also known as tooth decay. Often the color of decay will change from white, to brown, and then finally black as the cavity continues to grow. In an orthodontic patient, this can be seen as a white arc around the orthodontic bracket. This is not caused by the orthodontic bracket but rather by not cleaning around the bracket. The solution is simple, with proper oral hygiene and slight dietary changes teeth and brackets stay clean and cavities are prevented.

Your orthodontist may give you several oral hygiene recommendations to prevent cavities including: brushing teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, flossing once a day, using mouthwash, and having a professional dental cleaning three or four times per year. In addition, orthodontists typically discuss foods to avoid. A common phrase is “avoid sticky, tacky foods.” Most people associate that description with candy but may be surprised that sticky retentive sugars are also present in foods like protein bars, white bread, dried fruit, and pretzels. These foods have a high cariogenic (cavity making) potential because they are refined carbohydrates and are more likely to stick to the crevices of your teeth. They are especially bad while in braces because brackets provide the perfect “shelf” for these foods to build up around and food plus bacteria equals cavities. Limiting these foods while in braces is helpful but most important is properly cleaning your teeth afterwards. Low cariogenic foods are meats and unrefined carbohydrates with a high fiber content and include whole grains, peas, carrots, fish, beef, and poultry. Lastly, anti-cariogenic foods such as milk, cheese, and tea can actually protect against dental cavities because they contain calcium, phosphate and casein - bring on the charcuterie boards this holiday season! 

So enjoy the foods you want to eat but make sure to brush and floss your teeth, all the time but especially while in braces, and you will enjoy a cavity-free, pearly white smile for a lifetime! 

To learn more about Kaplan Orthodontics, visit: https://jkaplanortho.com/