Oral Hygiene

In order to maintain a healthy mouth, teeth and gums during your orthodontic treatment please follow these steps:
  • Brush 4 times a day - This is EXTREMELY important to prevent tooth decay and gum disease and the dreaded “white spots”. White spots are similar to shadows around the bracket that remain forever after the braces come off. They are the start of cavities and are easily avoided if you brush four times a day.
  • Floss once a day – This is the most vital way to prevent gum disease. The floss cleans out plaque and bacteria under the gums and keeps your gums healthy. Unhealthy gums are puffy and sore and bleed easily. If this describes your gums heal them quickly by returning to a once a day flossing regime.
  • Fluoride Rinse once a day – We recommend Phosflur or Act, both are high fluoride rinses that will help to strengthen the enamel of your teeth and prevent cavities.
  • Visit your Hygienist/Dentist every 3-4 months for a professional cleaning. There are some places that your hygienist can clean that you can’t. It is important to have a check up and a cleaning more frequently once you get started with your orthodontics. Individual needs dictate the frequency of scheduled cleanings.
You can also use the tools we provide in your Hygiene Kit to help you remove the food, plaque and bacteria from around your brackets.
Hygiene Kit

Below is the hygiene kit we give all our patients. Each number corresponds with the numbered description below.

Hygiene Kit

1. Travel Toothbrush – Your travel toothbrush is meant to take with you to school or work or on vacation. Remember that you should be brushing 4 times a day. For students this means having to brush once a day at school. Even if you are unable to use toothpaste and to rinse, use this toothbrush to at least brush the food off your teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease.

2. Toothbrush – We know you all have one at home already. This is a reminder that your toothbrush does need to be replaced every six months in order for the bristles to stay firm and to be effective. Remember to place the bristles of the toothbrush where the gum meets the tooth and don’t ignore the inside surfaces of your teeth and your tongue.

3. Timer – Remember that when you are brushing it takes at least two full minutes of brushing to reach all the surfaces of your teeth. You can also time yourself for one full commercial break if you are watching TV while you are brushing.

4. Floss Threaders – These are fancy floss “needles” similar to those used for doing stitch work. Run the floss through the eye of the “needle” and thread the tip of the floss threader below the wire. Now you can floss easily between your teeth.

5. Mouth Mirror – This is handy to keep in your bathroom cabinet so that you can see into the back of your mouth if you ever have a problem or a poking wire. Many people use the mouth mirror to help them find the hole in their Palatal Expanders if they have one.

6. Floss – This is similar to any floss you can find at the store. We give you this one in your kit because it is in a small case and easily tucked into your pocket book or backpack.

7. Wax – This is ideal for when your brackets are irritating your cheeks or if a wire is poking and you can’t make it in to the office to have it clipped. Simply break off a small piece, about the size of a pea, and using your index finger “wipe” the wax over the bracket or poking wire end.

8. Interproximal Brush – Affectionately called the “Christmas Tree”, this is a great tool for cleaning between your brackets and under the wire. Use this in addition to your regular toothbrushing and flossing. Click here to view the interproximal brush in use.