HYGIENE
It is really important to brush properly with braces. If brushing is not done correctly, white spots, or decalcification, can start to form on the teeth.
FAQ:
Permanent “decalcification.” It is the start of a cavity, which causes discoloration and damage to the surface of your teeth.
- Lack of proper brushing
- Frequently eating or drinking sugary foods and drinks that are sugary
- Increase attention to brushing
- Focus around the gum line and the brackets
- Brush more frequently
- Brush after each meal
- Don’t eat or drink after brushing before going to bed
- Use the Christmas tree toothbrush to clean in between your brackets every time you brush
- Floss on a regular basis
- Decrease snack in between meals and eliminate sugary drinks. (Ex. sports drinks, soda, and juices)
- Brush with a high fluoride toothpaste, and don’t rinse after brushing at night
- See your dentist every six months
Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. As an alternative, you can use a powered toothbrush to increase your brushing effectiveness. Brush the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth using small, gentle, circular motions while positioning the head of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances.