Dental Plaque + Your Braces = A Big Problem


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We know you’ve been told over and over to brush your teeth, to brush more often, to brush more thoroughly, to floss, to floss more often, to floss between all your teeth. And maybe you are tired of hearing it from Mom and Dad, your dentist, and your orthodontist. But it’s a really legitimate request because by getting braces and making an investment in your smile, you are making an investment in yourself, and you want that investment to reach its full potential.

When your brushing is sub-par, plaque begins to accumulate. It’s sometimes hard to see, but it can stick to teeth, braces, colors, and wires. DO you know what plaque essentially is? It is a mix of bacteria and their other yucky things. Bacteria live everywhere, and your mouth is no exception. There is a balance of good and bad; nonetheless, it is very important to brush exceptionally clean 3 times a day. Especially before you go to bed, it’s your chance to have sparkling clean teeth for 8 or more hours.

Having braces on your teeth adds a lot of surface area for bacterial colonization and the general accumulation of sugars and starches, which bacteria love to eat. So get those bristles flexing and sweeping above, below, and between your braces for a clean, fresh, sparkling smile!


Dr. Rana Barakat, a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics, has been proudly serving Northern Virginia for more than 20-years! She has built her practice on a personal touch and excellent treatment.

As a parent, she understands wanting the best for your children by giving them beautiful, confident smiles. She makes it a priority to ensure optimal results, but also believes that each patient’s experience during treatment is just as important as the clinical result. As the 2015-16 President of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Barakat’s dedication and expertise reflect why her peers continue to nominate her as a Top Dentist.

Barakat Orthodontics is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Ste. 175, Sterling, VA 20166. Connect by visiting them online, or get social with them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.

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