Hygiene Instructions
We are passionate about clean teeth! We want your teeth to be just as beautiful and white the day the braces come off as they were when the braces went on.
You may know someone who has “decalcifications” – ugly scars or stains (usually white), which some people think are caused by the braces. The truth is: they are caused by poor brushing around the braces. The cement that holds the braces in place actually protects the tooth, while plaque is “eroding” the tooth around the braces.
We don’t ever want to see this happen to any of our patients and we have placed some safeguards to help encourage good brushing habits.
At every appointment, patients receive a “grade” on oral hygiene (brushing). Patients earn stamps in their passports for good brushing grades.
Clean Teeth & Braces!!!
Place the toothbrush at an angle so the bristles get under the wires, and all around the brackets – brush under and over the brackets, the back of the teeth (tongue side) and brush the gums, as well as the tongue. Use circular motions when brushing.
MORNING:
- BRUSH 3 MINUTES with regular toothbrush
- LOOK!! Are your teeth and braces shiny?
LUNCH: Do it again!!
- BRUSH 3 MINUTES with regular toothbrush
- LOOK!! Are your teeth and braces shiny?
BEDTIME: Add a couple of steps. You can do it!
- BRUSH 3 MINUTES with regular toothbrush
- BRUSH AGAIN (with the proxabrush)
- FLOSS
- SWISH FLUORIDE MOUTHRINSE
- LOOK!! Are your teeth and braces shiny?
REMEMBER THE “RULE OF 3’S”: Brush 3 times a day, 3 minutes each time!!
Oh yeah – don’t forget to brush your tongue – it will help you have fresh breath.
