Now that you have your braces in place, it is just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen throughout the length of your treatment as it was before.
Braces, wires, bands and retainers can all trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Careful brushing and flossing, preferably after every meal and snack, is the best way to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum disease.
Flouride is also very important during orthodontic treatment. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay while you are wearing braces by killing bacteria and replacing minerals in tooth enamel that have been exposed to harmful acids. The use of flouride does not replace daily brushing and flossing but should be done following your daily schedule at bedtime. Dr. Moffett feels so strongly about the use of flouride that he provides you with your first supply the day you get your braces.
Brushing
Start with the outside of the teeth, with the brush at a straight angle. Use circular, vibrating motions. Clean the area between the gums and braces by angling the brush down (up for the lower jaw). Keep moving in a small circular motion. Clean the rest of the outside of the teeth by angling the brush up (down for the lower jaw). Carefully brush the chewing surface of both the upper and lower jaw. Finish by brushing the inside of the teeth.
Flossing
Floss at least once a day. The floss needs to be pulled under the archwire. A floss threader facilitates this. Start by pulling floss through the threader. Push the end of the floss threader under the archwire and pull floss through. Pull the floss up between the teeth and gently move it up and down the side of both teeth. Remember to move it up all the way under the gums. Pull the floss out and use a different section of it for the next teeth.
Rinsing
When you are finished brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth carefully with water or an antiseptic dental rinse. Don't forget your flouride! Our office carries Phos-Flur for your convenience.
An antiseptic dental rinse can help minor gum inflammations and irritations from orthodontic appliances. Also used to cleanse canker sores, minor wounds and other mouth and gum irritations, this mouth rinse removes debris, enabling natural healing to occur.
Interdental Toothbrush
An interdental toothbrush (proxabrush) is another aid you might find useful in keeping your teeth, braces and gums clean and healthy. It can be used to clean under orthodontic wires and in between braces. Use this device slowly and carefully, so you do not damage your braces or gums.
During Retention Phase
Retainer Care
During the retention phase, it is important to brush your retainer every time you brush your teeth as they can accumulate food particles and plaque.