The key to healthy teeth
and gums is proper plaque removal every day. Plaque is the sticky
colourless film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your
teeth. If it is left to build up, it is one of the main causes
of tooth decay and gum disease.
Follow
these simple instructions and you'll be off to a great start:
* Brush your teeth, gums
and braces at least three times a day (and especially after
eating).
* Clean between the teeth
at least once daily - and definitely before you go to bed.
* Use a fluoride toothpaste
- fluoride is proven to help prevent cavities.
* Use a fluoride mouth rinse
at least once daily to help reduce the risk of cavities.
Try to carry your toothbrush
and floss with you at all times do that you can clean your teeth
even when you are not at home.
How
do I clean all areas of my mouth while wearing braces?
At first, doing a good
job removing plaque from your teeth and along the gum line may
seem difficult with braces. But keep at it - with a bit of practice
it will get easier! Following these tips will also help:
First, take off any removable
parts like elastic bands and headgear.
Place your gum at an
angle of about 45 degrees to the gum and apply gentle pressure
as you brush with a gentle back and forward, up and down, or
round and round motion. Clean each tooth individually for about
10 seconds.
Use the same brushing
motion on the inner and outer surface of all teeth.
Don't forget to brush
the chewing surfaces of your teeth - and make sure you reach
the back teeth too,
Finish by cleaning around
your braces, brushing first from the top and then from the bottom.
Brush gently and take care not to bend or break any of the brackets
or wires
How
often should I clean my braces?
It is vital that you
clean your braces every time you brush your teeth. Braces can
act as a "plaque trap", increasing the amount of plaque
on your teeth, which in turn can lead to an increased risk of
caries and gum disease.
Flossing removes the
plaque between your teeth and under your gum line - areas beyond
the reach of your toothbrush. In fact, if you don't floss, you're
leaving up to 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched and uncleaned.
Choose a threading floss
with a stiffened end that threads it through the gap between
each tooth - above the wire for your upper teeth and below the
wire for your lower teeth.
Curve the floss around
each tooth in a "C" shape and gently move it up and
down the side of each tooth, including under the gum line. Unroll
a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
Which
products are best for braces?
Orthodontic toothbrushes
have bristles trimmed in a "V" shape for cleaning
above and below the brackets and wire.
Power toothbrushes can
remove more plaque than ordinary manual toothbrushes. Some of
the newer ones have brush-heads specifically made for use with
braces.
Interdental brushes have
very small heads with fine bristles - perfect for cleaning under
the wires and between the teeth. Check with your orthodontist
how you should clean around your braces with this type of brush.
Irrigation devices use
a pressurised stream of water (or mouth rinse) to clean around
the braces and along the gum line. Most have lower settings
for sensitive areas.
An orthodontist may recommend
using a combination of home care products in your daily routine.
Cleaning a removable
appliance (plate)
Take the appliance out of your mouth and clean your teeth in
the normal way. Then use your toothbrush and toothpaste to clean
the appliance. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Make sure that you gently
brush the gum areas which are covered by the appliance including
the roof of your mouth if you wear the appliance on your top
teeth.
Yes! Your regular dentist
and orthodontist will work together with you to help you do
the best job possible in caring for your teeth and gums.
Keep smiling!
Wearing braces requires patience and discipline. However. the
result of treatment can be more than just a healthy smile; often
your orthodontist is preventing bigger problems from developing
later.
Proper oral care at home
is important because it will help keep your treatment time on
course and might even help reduce it. Furthermore, it will contribute
to the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
And your reward? A lifetime
of healthy, beautiful smiles!
