Appliance Hygiene
What may happen if I don't brush properly?
Permanent damage to the tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean. The enamel will decalcify, leaving unsightly white marks.
Remember:
- Do not eat sugary foods and soft and fizzy drinks (including sugar free and low calorie types) between meals.
- Do not eat hard foods.
- Rinse with water after meals.
- Brush thoroughly with an effective toothbrush.
- Three times daily using toothpaste with maximum fluoride protection.
- Use a daily fluoride rinse ideally at a different time from brushing.
- Continue to visit your dentist for check ups, whilst having orthodontic treatment.
Effective Brushing
Step 1 This is the most important Step: Holding the brush at an angle towards the gums, scrub in small circles 10 times. Make sure that the gum line is also being cleaned.
Step 2 Holding the brush at an angle towards the chewing surface, scrub in small circles 10 times.
Step 3 Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Step 4 Brush the palatal and lingual surfaces of the teeth.
Step 5 Brush the surface of the tongue.
Flossing
Flossing with braces should be done once a day.
Superfloss One end is a floss threader and the other end can be used for flossing. Slide the threading end under the arch wire.
Slide the flossing part of the superfloss over the contact point.
The floss should be moved up and down along the sides of the teeth and under the gum line to remove the plaque.
Other Cleaning Techniques
Other hygiene aids that can be used to help keep your braces clean include:
Interproximal brush Slide the interproximal brush under the arch wire.
Mouthwashes Fluoride Mouthwashes are good at helping to maintain a clean mouth.
