How to Avoid Cracking Your Teeth When You Have Braces

If you want a top-notch oral health when you have braces, then you need to avoid cracking your teeth. If you crack your teeth, you could suffer tooth chips. Tooth chips could complicate the alignment process and delay your perfect smile. So, it’s best to prevent tooth cracks altogether. To help you do so, our orthodontist, Dr. Dr. Nathan Helm, encourages you to do the following things:

-Don’t chew on pens, pencils, ice, or your fingernails: Chewing on these things applies an unnatural pressure to the teeth. Most of the time, the teeth can’t handle the pressure and then the tooth enamel cracks. It might be small at first, but it can get bigger and bigger. It’s best to avoid chewing on these things altogether.

-Use fluoride: Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your tooth enamel. If you expose your teeth to fluoride regularly (by brushing with fluoride toothpaste, rinsing with fluoride mouthwash, and drinking fluoridated water) then you have a higher chance of preventing tooth cracks.

-Wear a mouthguard: If you play high-contact sports or participate in activities that increase your chances of an oral injury, then it’s important to wear a mouthguard while you do these things. The mouthguard can protect the teeth and help you prevent tooth cracks as well as other dental injuries.

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about how to prevent tooth chips when you have braces in Denver, Colorado, please contact Helm Orthodontics at 303.371.0371 when you can. Our orthodontic team will be happy to answer your questions and give you the information you’re looking for. We look forward to helping you!