Hygiene
How to maintain an adequate hygiene during an orthodontic treatment
Brushing
Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal and before you go to bed. It’s best to use a fluoride toothpaste to help fight cavities. Your orthodontist may prescribe a fluoride mouthwash to help prevent cavities.
- Start by brushing the outside of each tooth at least 10 times.
- Then brush where your gums and teeth meet, using a circular motion.
- Brush the inside surface of each tooth at least 10 times.
- Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth last.
Flossing
Because your toothbrush won’t reach between your teeth, brushing alone won’t keep your teeth clean and healthy. Flossing can help. A floss threader, which is given to you helps you floss with braces on.
Follow these steps:
⦁ Thread floss through the threader and slip it up behind your archwire.
⦁ Insert the floss between two teeth and under your gum margins.
⦁ Rinse with clean water, and watch your teeth and braces sparkle.
⦁ Thread floss through the threader and slip it up behind your archwire.
⦁ Insert the floss between two teeth and under your gum margins.
⦁ Rinse with clean water, and watch your teeth and braces sparkle.
Fluoride
Use a fluorinated toothpaste. Your orthodontist may prescribe a fluoride mouthwash if necessary.
Remember
You should be brushing your teeth at least three times a day -once at breakfast, at lunch and before you go to bed. If you are not able to brush after you eat, be sure to rinse thoroughly with water, and NEVER skip brushing at night before you go to bed.
