BRUSHING
AND FLOSSING
Food particles and plaque naturally accumulate on the teeth
and on braces. This process could lead to tooth decay and/or
gum disease. Proper oral hygiene is vital to prevent these problems
from occurring during your orthodontic treatment. The extra
effort you give to keep your teeth, braces and gums clean and
healthy will result in a much better orthodontic outcome.
BRUSHING
We recommend that you use a soft bristled toothbrush
with moderate force and a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Place the toothbrush at an angle so that you feel the
bristles under your gum line and use small circular motions.
Completely clean each surface of every tooth in your mouth,
including the areas above, below and between each brace.
Each surface of every tooth should be scrubbed with
10 strokes of the toothbrush. This should take 2-3
minutes.
We recommend that you brush at least 4 times per day:
after breakfast, after lunch (or as soon as you get
home from school), after supper and at bedtime.
Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances,
so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to
fray. Back to Top
1.
Use a soft toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste.
Completely clean each surface of every tooth in your mouth,
including the areas above, below and between each brace.
2.
Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum line. Scrub
each surface of every tooth with 10 strokes of the toothbrush.
This should take 2-3 minutes.
3.
Brush every tooth slowly. Brush the upper teeth down.
4.
Brush the lower teeth up. Also brush your tongue and the
roof of your mouth
Remember
that a toothbrush might not reach the areas under the archwire
properly. Proper oral hygiene also involves flossing and the
use of an interdental toothbrush (Proxabrush), an antiseptic
mouth rinse (Peroxyl) and a topical fluoride (Phos-Flur). Back to Top
FLOSSING
Dental floss is a nylon thread that is used to remove food particles
and plaque from between the teeth. Flossing is more difficult
when you have braces on your teeth. A floss threader may be
needed to get the floss under the archwire. Our staff will provide
these for you (note: floss threaders are reusable). Use a piece
of floss about 12 inches long. Use the floss threader to get
the floss under the wire. Slide the floss up and down along
the tooth surface. When the tooth is clean the floss will "squeak"
as you slide it up and down along the tooth surface. Be very
careful to not pull with too much force on your archwire.
Daily flossing is essential to your dental health. Often neglected, flossing helps improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. Flossing assists in cleaning many of the "hard to reach" spots in your mouth, spots that regular brushing generally misses. By flossing, you alleviate much of the plaque buildup that often causes gum disease.
Although flossing is more difficult with braces, it is critical to your orthodontic treatment. Always floss at least twice a day: once after lunch, and once before bedtime. Proper flossing reduces the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Back to Top
1.
Carefully pull waxed floss between wire and braces.
2.
Floss carefully around the gum area.
INTERDENTAL TOOTHBRUSH
An interdental toothbrush (Proxabrush) is another aid you may
find useful to keep your teeth, braces and gums clean and healthy.
It can be used to clean under orthodontic wires and around braces.
Use this device slowly so you do not damage your braces. Back to Top
ANTISEPTIC
MOUTH RINSE (PEROXYL)
Peroxyl is an antiseptic dental rinse (active ingredient:
hydrogen peroxide 1.5%) used in orthodontics to control
minor gum inflammation and irritations from orthodontic
appliances. It is also used to cleanse canker sores and
minor wounds or other irritations of the mouth and gums
such as mouth burns, cheek bites and toothbrush abrasions.
Its oxygenating action removes debris allowing natural
healing to occur.
We
recommend that you rinse with half a capful (two (2) teaspoons)
around in the mouth for at least one (1) minute, then
spit out. Use up to four (4) times daily after meals and
at bedtime while wearing orthodontic appliances.
Listerine
Listerine has the American Dental Association Seal of
Acceptance for helping control plaque and gingivitis.
It helps prevent and reduce supragingival plaque accumulation
and gingivitis when used in a conscientiously applied
program of oral hygiene and regular professional care.
Use when brushing and flossing aren't enough. Back to Top
TOPICAL FLUORIDE (PHOS-FLUR)
Sodium fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay and
bacteria that cause cavities. This medication is used
to prevent cavities.
This rinse is usually used once or twice a day as directed.
It is best used immediately after brushing or flossing
the teeth. To use, measure the prescribed amount usually
1 or 2 teaspoonfuls (5 or 10 ml), place it in your mouth
and swish it around and between teeth for at least one
minute before spitting it out. Do not swallow this unless
directed to do so by your doctor or dentist. Avoid eating,
drinking or rinsing your mouth for at least 30 minutes
after using this to enable the medication to have contact
with the teeth. Back to Top
CLEANING A REMOVABLE APPLIANCE
All orthodontic appliances tend to accumulate food particles
and plaque just like teeth do. Every time you brush your
teeth, brush your removable appliance. This will help
prevent plaque buildup and oral infections and will keep
your appliance tasting better. Back to Top
We
recommend that you rinse with half a capful (two (2) teaspoons)
around in the mouth for at least one (1) minute, then
spit out. Use up to four (4) times daily after meals and
at bedtime while wearing orthodontic appliances.