Food particles and plaque naturally accumulate on your teeth more quickly when you have braces. This process can lead to tooth decay, decalcification and/or gum disease. Proper oral hygiene is critical to preventing these problems from occurring during your orthodontic treatment. Our clinical team insists that your oral hygiene be at least at a minimal level prior to and during treatment and that you continue seeing your dentist two to three times per year during your treatment. The extra effort you give to keep your teeth, braces and gums clean and healthy will result in a much better orthodontic outcome.
Brushing
1. Dr. Chuck recommends that you use a soft bristle toothbrush. Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum line. Completely clean each surface of every tooth in your mouth. This should take about two to three minutes each time, especially with the areas above, below and between each bracket. Your toothbrush will wear out faster due to your appliances, so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles fray. If you brush with moderate force and a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste, and you use the proper technique at least two times a day, your teeth and braces will remain healthy.
2. Dr. Chuck and his clinical team recommend that you use the “upside down” brushing technique. Place the toothbrush at an angle. Use small circular motions. Brush up and down using an inter-dental toothbrush (Proxabrush), and use an antiseptic on the lower teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth, and rinse (using Peroxyl or Listerine) and use a topical fluoride (Perio-Med) around any appliances. Remember that a toothbrush might not properly reach under your brackets at the gum line and areas under the archwire. Thus, proper oral hygiene also involves flossing.
Flossing
Dental floss is a nylon thread used to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Flossing is more difficult when you have braces; therefore, a floss threader may be needed to get under the archwire. 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 careful not to pull with too much force on your archwire.
Flossing is an important adjunct to your home oral hygiene and brushing. The best time to floss is before bedtime and after brushing to remove the plaque missed when 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!
Foods to Avoid
Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid
• Bubble gum • Tootsie Rolls • Licorice • Caramels • Sugar Daddies • Taffy
Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid
• Ice • Nuts • Chips • Hard-taco shells • Jolly Ranchers • Pizza crust
• Corn on-the-cob • Uncooked carrots (unless cut) • Hard bagels and bread
Minimize Sugary Foods
• Cake • Pie • Ice Cream • Candy • Cookies
