Caring for teeth during treatment

 

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 three times a day(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.

 

  May Use a fluoride mouth rinse daily to help reduce the risk of cavities.

 

Try to carry your toothbrush and floss with you at all times so 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?

 

Following these tips will also help:

• First, take off any removable parts like elastic bands and headgear.

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• Place your brush at an angle of about 45 degrees to the gum and apply some 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.

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• Use the same brushing motion on the inner and outer surface of all teeth.

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• Don't forget to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth - and make sure you reach the back teeth too.

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• 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 eat.  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.

How do I floss with fixed braces?

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.

Use a threading floss  through the gap between each tooth

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.

 

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 brush the gum areas too which are covered by the appliance including the roof of your mouth if you wear the appliance on your top teeth.