ORAL HYGIENE

Brushing

Brushing frequently is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Try brushing in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, after school if you have a snack, after dinner, and at bedtime. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. While in orthodontic treatment, make sure to not use any toothpaste with whitening agents in it. This type of toothpaste will chemically whiten the enamel around the brackets, leaving that portion of the teeth underneath each bracket untouched. The result is an unsightly, permanent square on each tooth.

When you brush your teeth move the brush in small circular motions, making sure to brush all surfaces of the tooth and your gums. Be sure to brush all metal parts of any appliances that you have as well. Plaque is a sticky, white substance that collects on your teeth. If plaque and food remain trapped in and around your braces, you can experience swollen gums, bad breath, marks on your teeth, and even cavities. When brushing, make sure to angle your toothbrush around the entire bracket. A proxy brush can also be used to help remove food trapped under the wire.

Flossing

Flossing at least once a day is very important. Flossing helps remove food and plaque from in between teeth and hard to reach places, areas where a toothbrush alone cannot reach. Using a floss threader helps in directing the floss under the archwire and between every bracket. If you do not have one, or have run out, please ask a staff member at your next appointment. Gently guide the floss between all teeth until you reach the gum line. Repeat this process for each tooth, making sure to carefully slide out the floss. Pulling up on the wire can cause damage to the wire or even break a bracket. When you first begin flossing, your gums may have a tendency to bleed. If bleeding continues after a few times, let Dr. Ralph or a staff member know at your next visit.

Fluoride

Fluoride rinse or gel is a must when wearing braces. Topical fluoride helps to protect the tooth enamel from breakdown, marks, cavities and decalcification. Decalcification is caused by the mineral content of the tooth dissolving away by the acids produced by plaque. “Decal” appears chalky white and is irreversible. Foods such as soda pop, chewing gum, or other sources of large quantities of sugar in the diet, and improper cleaning will result in decalcification. Cavities are the next step in severity following decalcification.