Can braces make cavities worse?

Simply put, the brackets and wires that make up a set of braces make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. If your oral hygiene slips while you are wearing braces, it will become more likely that cavities could develop.

Do braces make cavities more likely?

Braces alone will never cause cavities; however, they do make plaque and tooth decay more likely. That’s why you may hear more stories about people with braces getting cavities than people without braces. It is very easy for food particles to get stuck in the space between your wires and teeth.

How bad is having a cavity?

If cavities aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.

Does kissing fight cavities?

It’s true. It may not be as effective as flossing and brushing on a regular basis, but kissing increases the flow of saliva, which then helps prevent tooth decay. Kissing is nature’s natural cleansing process.

Is it safe to get braces while having cavities?

The risk of cavities while you have braces should not deter you from getting braces. The benefits of braces massively outweigh any sort of risk. In fact, getting braces can even help reduce your risk of getting cavities in the future as crooked teeth often pose a higher risk for tooth decay and cavities.

Do braces increase the risk of cavities?

By making dental hygiene slightly more difficult, braces can increase a patient’s risk of developing dental issues that result from excessive dental plaque, including tooth decay (the disease that causes cavities). Luckily, however, cavities are still highly preventable even with metal brackets and wires attached to your teeth.

What to do if you get braces?

Considering Getting Braces Think about why you want braces. Determine your willingness to live with braces. Talk to friends who have braces. Decide whether you can afford braces. Talk with your dentist about your teeth. Ask your dentist about veneers.

Can I get cavity filled if I have braces?

If you are wearing metal braces, in most cases, a cavity can be filled without removing wires . However, if your dentist is unable to access the decayed tooth, we can temporarily remove the wire so your dentist can fill the cavity.