Do you have braces on and are unable to clean your teeth properly? Does your mouth smell? Do your teeth have white deposits all the time?
Don't worry.. We have got you covered!
To watch the video, Click here
The most important step to achieve perfectly clean teeth while having braces on is to cover all areas of the mouth- do not ignore any area. And yes- that includes under the wire as well!
We all know what happens when we don't clean our teeth properly. The bad smell, the swollen gums, the white spots and so on.. We have all either seen it happen in our own mouths or someone around us. All this is amplified when we have braces on and cleaning teeth is not a simple feat to achieve!
Let me just brief you up about why the teeth start looking this way. When the teeth are improperly cleaned, a lot of deposits remain stuck to the teeth. It allows a lot of bacteria to adhere firmly to the teeth. These bacteria constantly try to damage the tooth structure. The longer these are allowed to stay on the teeth, the more the damage.
Most importantly, this damage is permanent! The effects will stay on much longer after your braces have been removed! Have a look at the example along side.
So what should you do so that this problem just doesn't arise?
Just like my last post on brushing, I am dividing this one as well into categories. To read the one on brushing techniques, click here.
1. The right toothbrush
A good orthodontic toothbrush is very important. A particular brand is not necessary.
An orthodontic brush has a special design. The center bristles are cut out to create space for the braces and therefore these do not damage the brackets or the wire.
Powered toothbrushes can also be used but extra care will have to be taken so that the brackets are not damaged.
2. Inter-dental brush
Inter dental brushes are important during orthodontic treatment as this helps to clean the areas in between teeth/braces. This is like a small tuft of bristles which can easily access narrow areas and clean them properly.
3. Fluoride tooth paste
As I explained in the last post as well, the toothpaste brand is not important as long as it contains fluoride. A pea sized amount of toothpaste is good enough for brushing your teeth.
Using up more tooth paste is definitely not going to clean your teeth better. So save up on the tooth paste!
4. Fluoride mouthwash
Fluoride mouthwashes are generally advised by your orthodontist to help you maintain better oral hygiene and prevent cavities. Though it is not recommended for all patients, but it should be used diligently if it was advised to you.
5. Technique
Now coming to the most important part- the technique!
Firstly, do not ignore any area of the mouth. Follow a sequence- the upper front teeth, the lower front teeth, left side upper and lower teeth, right side lower and upper teeth, inner surface of the upper and lower teeth and the tongue. Keep about 15-20 secs to each area.
Now I'll explain how to hold and use the brush.
For the front teeth, use a light circular motion and clean both upper and lower teeth. Follow this technique for the outer surfaces of the back teeth as well.
For the inner surfaces, use an up-down motion and for the tongue use the back of the brush in a scraping motion.
Now for the areas in between the teeth and braces, use the inter dental brush while looking in the mirror. Slide it gently below the wire and clean off any deposits that may be present.
Rinse thoroughly with water and you are done!
If anyone wishes to contact me directly, I am attaching my number below
#9711495014
Really informative.