Molar Bands - worried that teeth underneath aren't clean

[babykitten75]

Hi There

I was just pondering the fact that I have molar bands on my back teeth and that I can only clean the tops of those teeth so does that mean they can be negatively affected because around the teeth CANNOT be brushed, flossed or rinsed?

What if tiny pieces of food are stuck in between the tooth and the inside of the molar band - it will rot there for the two years I will have my braces on? I'm a little worried about this since I cannot brush under the bands.

Has anyone ever heard of molars deteriorating due to not being able to be brushed, flossed, rinsed, etc.?

[Way Too Old For This]

babykitten, food shouldn't be able to get between the molar bands and the tooth if the bands are attached correctly. As far as flossing, you should be able to floss. My molar bands are so close to my gumline that I was worried about not keeping that area clean enough but I use a WaterPik, and after the first 6 months of braces my hygenist said they were fine. I spend extra time with the WaterPik in that area.

I go for my next cleaning next month, so we'll see.

[Lisa65]

There's a remote possibility that it can happen but it's very unlikely. The bands are cemented onto your teeth so there shouldnt be anywhere food can get trapped between the band and the tooth.

You can floss between the band and the adjacent teeth and if you have a waterpik then you can squirt around the bottoms of the bands between them and the gum. Use a fluoride mouthwash daily to inhibit plaque forming.

If when you floss round there there's a nasty smell, that would indicate a problem with food being stuck, but other than that, you should be fine.

[Xero]

Buy a Waterpik. I always use it at the bands and food flies out.