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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.
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)! 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. Dr. Smith 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. Flossing is important
and should be done every day. The best time to floss is before bedtime
after brushing to remove the plaque missed by brushing. This process will
take more time than flossing without braces. If your gums are not healthy,
they may bleed the first few days you floss. Remember that consistent
brushing and flossing will result in a great orthodontic smile!
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.
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