Beyond those basic care routines, the following steps can also help you minimize the risk of developing cavities and tooth decay:
- Limit sugary/acidic beverages: To protect your teeth, limit or avoid sweetened coffee, tea, soda, beer, and processed juice as they can lead to prolonged wear.
- Drinking tap water: Option for tap water over bottled, as it contains enamel-strengthening fluoride. Use a Brita filter if needed for better quality.
- Stop smoking: Tobacco stains teeth and raises decay risk by receding gums. Quitting is the best way to eliminate this cavity risk.
- Limit snacking or sipping: Frequent sugary snacks not only pose cavity risks but also affect your treatment compliance. To ensure a smoother smile journey, reduce your intake of sweets.
- Switching toothpaste brand: If you're not already using a brand of toothpaste that contains fluoride, then you should switch to one that does.
- Brushing your tongue: Billions of mouth harmful bacteria can use your tongue as a breeding ground. To reduce bacterial buildup, remember to brush your tongue.
- Regular dental visits: Don’t neglect getting your regular deeper cleaning from your dentist, at least once every six months.
If cavities appear while using aligners, seek help from your dentist or orthodontist. They can provide additional assistance and potential remedies.
Aligners are not the only option for straightening your teeth. Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces are alternatives. These use wires and brackets to align your teeth. Regardless of the method you choose, maintaining dental care is crucial.
