A great looking smile starts with great oral hygiene habits. It’s as easy as following the 5 simple steps listed here!
Step 1: The Proxabrush®
Angle the tip upward for the lower teeth and downward in the upper to clean between the teeth and the archwires. Angle right and left in each space as shown below and brush thoroughly, being careful not to pull forward too hard against the archwire.
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Start in the very back in either the upper or lower and work methodically around the arch cleaning the spaces between all teeth.
Note: Handles and replacement tips for the Proxabrush® are available at all larger groceries and pharmacies. The best tips are the #614 (Christmas tree shape) or the #618 (large bottle brush shape).
Step 2: Tooth Brushing
As with the Proxabrush®, start the tooth brush in the back and work methodically around so no areas are missed. Angle the bristles both upward and downward (see photo below) in each area to clean thoroughly around the brackets, especially at the gumline. The motion should be a circular scrubbing motion and must be vigorous with a manual brush. If an electric brush is used, firm pressure needs to be used to insure adequate plaque removal.
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Step 3: Use the right rinses and avoid sugar.
| At bed-time ACT® fluoride rinse is used to help protect the enamel. | |
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During the daytime, Crest Pro-Health® oral rinse is used after a thorough brushing to improve the health of the gums. |
Step 4: Avoid sugar.
Especially damaging are soft drinks and sugar-added juices which are not only full of sugar but are acidic and will damage teeth around braces even with reasonable hygiene. Become an expert at reading labels to learn the many disguises of sugar, like “corn solids”, “corn syrup”, “natural sweeteners”, “high fructose sweetener”, etc. Become a fan of bottled water!
Step 5: Visit your dentist.
See your dentist for an examination at least once every 6 months throughout your orthodontic care.