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.
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Step 2 Holding the brush at an angle towards the chewing surface, scrub in small circles 10 times.
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Step 3 Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
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Step 4 Brush the palatal and lingual surfaces of the teeth.
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Step 5 Brush the surface of the tongue.
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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.
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Slide the flossing part of the superfloss over the contact point.
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The floss should be moved up and down along the sides of the teeth and under the gum line to remove the plaque.
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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.
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Mouthwashes Fluoride Mouthwashes are good at helping to maintain a clean mouth.