A Proxybrush or “Christmas tree” toothbrush is an interdental (between the teeth) toothbrush that you may use to clean underneath and around your wires and braces. Use the Proxybrush gently to avoid damaging your wires. A Proxybrush will help you clean your braces while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Listerine (over-the-counter) and prescription strength Peridex (or a generic equivalent) are examples of antiseptic mouth rinses that help reduce inflammation of your gums. Inflammation results from not completely removing or cleaning the food and plaque from your teeth and gums. Signs of inflammation are when your gums become swollen, puffy and begin to bleed upon brushing and flossing. Your gums can also begin to “grow” excess gum tissue (hyperplasia) that makes it even more difficult to clean the food and plaque off your teeth and gums. Hyperplastic gum tissue can get to the point where it is irreversible and may require a gingivectomy, removal of excess tissue by a periodontist, in order to re-establish optimal oral health. Peridex can temporarily stain your teeth if you are not thoroughly cleaning your teeth, but the stain can be easily removed at your next cleaning visit at your general dental office. If prescribed, use as directed.
Fluoride mouth rinse and gels help prevent white spots and tooth decay while you are wearing braces by replacing minerals in tooth enamel that have been exposed to harmful acids. Those acids are produced by the bacteria that are found in plaque. Failure to remove plaque after eating can lead to decalcifications (permanent white spots or “scars”) which can further progress into tooth decay or “cavities.” The use of fluoride does not replace daily brushing and flossing but should be done following your daily schedule at bedtime. Use as directed. You may not eat or drink for 30 minutes after you use fluoride. It is important for the active ingredient to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes, so do not wash it away by eating or drinking. Occasionally, if your home care is inadequate, we may prescribe a fluoride gel.
Brush or clean your removable appliance/retainer (Invisalign or invisible retainer) as directed every day as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule because food particles and plaque can accumulate on your appliance just as they do on your teeth. A cleaned appliance will taste better, and you will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation.
When brushing, always use a soft-bristled brush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush using small circular motions – this will help the toothbrush reach food particles under the gum line. Make sure you hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, and move the brush slowly and thoroughly, taking care to cover all areas between braces, between teeth and the surface of each tooth. Proper brushing should take several minutes. The direction you brush maximizes your efforts. On the upper and lower teeth, brush up and down toward the brackets to maximize the removal of food particles. Brush the front, back and chewing surface of every tooth. Just before you rinse, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
During orthodontic treatment, minimally brush your teeth after every meal (including snacks) to avoid accumulation of food particles in your braces and teeth.
- After breakfast
- After lunch (or immediately after school)
- After dinner
- Before bedtime
You will need to replace your toothbrush more often due to wear and tear from your braces and appliances. As soon as the bristles start to fray or wear down, replace your toothbrush with a new one. Be careful and methodical when brushing – it may be difficult to reach areas under the archwire. Take care not to swallow any toothpaste and rinse your mouth out thoroughly when you finish. You should floss, cleanse with an antibacterial mouthwash and use fluoride treatment as part of your oral hygiene regimen.
Flossing when wearing braces takes patience and dedication, but it is critical to floss your teeth every day. The use of dental floss is the only way to effectively clean the surfaces of your teeth that are in contact with each other and under the gum line between your teeth. The use of a floss threader will aid in your performance of this necessary procedure. Remove a small length of floss from the dispenser and insert it through the threader. Place the floss under the archwire and wrap it around the side of one tooth in the form of the letter “C.” Gently move the floss up and down making sure it goes beneath the gum line. Repeat this on the side of the adjacent tooth and remove the floss. Continue around both arches until you have cleaned the side of all your teeth.
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