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Braces and Infection

Infection occurs when harmful microbes enter the body, colonize and cause disease. Whenever there is injury to the body that breaches the skin, there is a risk of infection. Dental braces, devices used in orthodontics to straighten and align teeth, often cause abrasions to the cheeks and tongue. They also make cleaning the teeth more difficult, resulting in elevated levels of bacteria in the mouth. Both of these factors increase the chances for infection.

  1. Risk Factors

    • According to the website Safe Dentistry, most orthodontic patients who practice good oral hygiene will not have any significant problems with infection. However, there are risk factors that make infection more likely for some patients including immune system suppression (such as with HIV, cancer or chemotherapy), poor diet and poor oral hygiene.

    Safety Techniques

    • Many orthodontists, like Alaskan orthodontist Michael Koropp, use newer technologies for less invasive procedures that cause only minimal bleeding. Koropp also uses the least abrasive metals and plastics on the market to avoid long-term injury. Like many orthodontists today, his practice also employs high safety standards including: sterilizing all instruments; disinfecting hands; wearing gowns, masks and eyewear; and giving vaccinations for Hepatitis B to all staff members.

    Cleaning Teeth with Braces

    • Proper cleaning of braces is the most effective at-home technique for preventing infection. According to Safe Dentistry, it is important to clean braces after every meal. Food particles stuck between teeth promote the growth of bacteria that, in addition to leading to infection, can result in cavities and gum disease. Orthodontists recommend using water picks and special orthodontic floss with stiff ends that can be pushed under wires.

    Braces and Pregnancy

    • According to the American Association of Orthodontists, pregnancy makes women more susceptible to infection. Soft tissues such as gums are particularly affected by this change. Because of this added infection risk, getting braces while pregnant is not recommended.

    Warning

    • In 1989, the Finnish government sponsored a study of the correlations between dental disease and heart disease. They found that people who had periodontal disease (a condition that often starts with chronic oral infection) had a higher incidence of stroke, heart disease and premature death. This is further evidence that proper oral care is a critical element to whole body health.

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