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Getting braces is not anymore a symbol of awkwardness captured forever in high school yearbooks. Getting braces has turned into a fun right of passage for middle schoolers with the introduction of colors, hashtags, etc 

The stigma once associated with adults getting braces has diminished with the advances in orthodontic technology like clear braces aligners. 

Here are a few things you should know before getting braces.

What do you need to know before getting braces?

Braces are not just about the look of the smile.
Braces can help to correct teeth, bite and jaw alignment issues and ultimately improve oral health.

You’ll need to get your dental work done first
Before getting braces, you’ll need to have teeth cleaning and have all other dental work completed. This may include having wisdom teeth removed so they don’t interfere with orthodontic treatment.

Adjustments to diet
It is a good idea to eliminate certain foods from your diet before getting the braces. It takes some time getting used to a brace and trying to change your diet after the braces have been put can be a challenge.
Some of the foods that can be removed from the diet are sticky or gummy food or food that requires heavy chewing. 

Brushing your teeth regularly

Items can easily get stuck between wires and brackets, and brushing will help resolve it easily and keep breath fresh.
Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized paste with you, as well as a gum-safe toothpick. 

Mouthguards for athletes
Mouthguards can prevent potential contact of the braces with the mouth which can result in an injury during sports.

Regular Orthodontist appointments.
Most patients will need to see their orthodontists every 4-6 weeks to ensure treatment is progressing properly and to have adjustments made. 

Mild Pain.
Patients may experience mild pain, especially after initial placement and when wires are tightened. You can work with your dentist to identify suitable pain medication to help with the pain.

It is known that an optimal level of fluoride in water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. The content of Fluoride in water, however, has an impact on a Child’s IQ. 

Quoting an article from the “American Academy of Pediatrics”

Women living in areas with fluoridated tap water had higher mean urinary fluoride levels than those living in areas without fluoridated tap water (0.69 vs 0.40 milligram per liter, or a difference of about 0.30 mg/L). Adjusted results showed that a full 1 milligram per liter increase in maternal urinary fluoride was associated with a 4.5-point lower Performance IQ score in boys. There was no statistically significant association for girls. In the group for which self-reported fluoride intake from all sources was estimated, each additional milligram of daily fluoride intake was linked to a 3.7-point lower IQ score in boys and girls.

The above finding prompted some questions around Fluoride intake during pregnancy. 

Should pregnant women drink fluoridated water?

The answer is YES.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which focuses on the significance of good oral well being during pregnancy, recommends that women use fluoridated toothpaste.

The American Dental Association remains committed to the idea of fluoridation of public water supplies as an effective public health measure to help prevent tooth decay.

The report also stated there was a possible need for some women to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.

What to conclude from this study?

Fluoridation continues to play an important role in safely preventing dental disease when used within its recommended levels.  Dental disease is widespread, causing millions of lost hours of school each year. Children who experience tooth decay are more likely to have pain that makes it hard for them to eat, sleep, and learn in school. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride’s cavity protection wherever they live, work and play.

What is a Stroke? 

To understand the association between stroke and oral health, one should initially understand what a stroke is and who is at a higher danger of having one. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. Somebody who is encountering a stroke could show some of these physical indications:
           

• Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

Investigations have discovered that patients who have had a stroke mostly had poor oral hygiene practices. 

Understanding Gum Disease

Statistics show that nearly half of the adult population in America is affected by Gum Diseases! Gum disease is preventable and is created from the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease has multiple stages and can many times be slowed with proper treatment.

The best way to avoid gum disease is to keep up with good oral health care practices and following your dentist’s recommendations such as brushing twice a day, using floss and mouthwash daily, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups.

Gum Disease and Stroke

There is a significant connection between gum disease and stroke. Gum illness is caused by microscopic organisms in the mouth. These organisms can get in the circulatory system, causing the blood to clot, leading to a stroke.

Gum disease has also been connected to medical conditions such as diabetes, malignant growths, and even Alzheimer’s.

Since numerous Americans are affected by both gum disease and stroke, it’s essential to understand the reasons for it and proactively find ways to control it. Patients who have suffered a stroke may need support in maintaining good oral health care, especially if they have cognitive or physical limitations which prevent them from remembering to complete or performing the tasks properly.

By taking preventive measures against gum disease with good oral care habits, you are also lowering your risk for stroke and several other diseases.

It’s something that you’ve heard over and over but why are regular dental visits so important?

One should religiously visit a dentist at least once a year. Dental appointments shouldn’t just be made when you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Prevention is always better than needing a cure. There are many more reasons why it’s important to maintain regular visits to your local dentist. 

Check for mouth cancer

This is one of the most important things your dentist will do at every check-up. Dentists will do an examination for signs of mouth cancer, as well as head and neck cancer. To do this they will be checking for any lumps on your head or neck. They will also check for any red or white patches in the mouth. Usually, these checks will find nothing unusual, but they could potentially save your life.

Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists and therapists are often overlooked when it comes to our oral health, but they can be extremely valuable for both the services they can offer and the advice they can give. Dental hygienists are mainly concerned with ‘preventive’ dental health and treating gum disease – showing you home remedies and helping you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth (usually called a ‘scale and polish’) by removing plaque and tartar, both of which encourage tooth decay and gum disease.

Consultations about tooth whitening

Tooth whitening has grown in popularity over recent years but there are plenty of myths out there that can lead to confusion about what is safe, as well as issues of legality. Your dentist is in the best position to give you advice about your options when it comes to tooth whitening. They are in the best position because not only do they know a lot about teeth whitening but they are also the only place you can legally get your teeth professionally whitened.

Dentists catch things early or prevent them from happening

With just a mirror you can see how your teeth look. Underneath your gums, a lot can be going on without you even realizing it. Dentists not only solve these problems, but they can also prevent them. Potential problems they can spot include the onset of gum disease and dental decay. When it comes to your oral health it is important you are proactive and seeing your dentist regularly so that they can catch any issues early before they become a problem.

Dentists can provide help and advice specific to your needs

Often when people have a problem they turn to the internet, a place filled with lots of great information, but also misinformation. On the other hand, a dentist has had to train for years to be qualified in the profession and will provide the guidance you can trust. By visiting your dentist regularly you can build a good relationship that will allow them to tailor advice and support specific to your needs over a long period of time.

There isn’t anyone better placed to help you keep on top of your oral health than your dentist, so they should be your first port of call when it comes to concerns about your teeth and mouth.

Loat, Stephen. “The importance of regular dental visits.” Oral Health Foundation, 27 Feb 2019
https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/the-importance-of-regular-dental-visits