Keeping your teeth clean

Top tips for oral hygiene

Interdental toothbrush: An interdental (between the teeth) toothbrush that you may use to clean underneath and around your wires and braces. Use the interdental brush gently to avoid damaging your wires. The interdental brush will help you to clean your braces while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Antibacterial mouthwash: A hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse will reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks. It helps to prevent infection and decrease irritation that may develop from your braces. Rinse your mouth with two teaspoons of it (half a capful) for one minute and then spit it out. You may use it up to four times daily following your schedule for brushing: after meals (or after school) and before bed. Just like using peroxide for a scrape on your skin, it helps the inside of your mouth heal. It can be used for general irritation caused by your braces or for canker sores, cheek bites and other minor temporary injuries to the gums.

Cleaning your removable appliance: Brush your removable appliance every day as part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule. Food particles and plaque can accumulate on your appliance just as they do on your teeth, so it's important to soak the appliance daily. Dissolve a denture-cleaning tablet in a glass of tap water at room temperature and soak your appliance once every day. Your appliance will taste better, and you will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation.

Clean teeth for best results

Having orthodontic treatment shouldn't stop you from keeping up your oral hygiene routine. In fact, it is more important than ever that you ensure you have an established brushing and flossing routine. The cleaner your teeth the better your orthodontic results will be, as healthy teeth reduce your risk of cavities and plaque build up. Healthy teeth = beautiful smiles.

Wire Irritations: Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment. 

Lost Separators: Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced. 

Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment: During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.