Oral Hygiene
Top Tips for a Successful Transformation
Keeping your teeth clean and committing to an effective oral hygiene routine is a huge part of achieving stunning results with braces and clear aligners!
Whether you’re looking for tips for new braces wearers, or you’re just looking for ways to boost your oral hygiene routine, we have the perfect tips.
1. Use an interdental toothbrush.
A Proxabrush is an interdental (between-the-teeth) toothbrush that you can use to clean underneath and around your wires and braces. These small toothbrushes should be used gently to avoid damaging your wires, and can help you clean your smile at-home or on-the-go to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
2. Swish daily with antibacterial mouthwash.
Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse, will reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks. Peroxyl helps to prevent infection and decrease irritation that may develop from your braces.
Rinse your mouth with two teaspoons of Peroxyl (half a capful) for one minute and then spit it out.
You may use Peroxyl up to four times daily following your schedule for brushing: after meals (or after school) and before bed. Just like using peroxide for a scrape on your skin, Peroxyl helps the inside of your mouth heal. Peroxyl can be used for general irritation caused by your braces or for canker sores, cheek bites and other minor temporary injuries to the gums.
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse, will reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks. Peroxyl helps to prevent infection and decrease irritation that may develop from your braces. Rinse your mouth with two teaspoons of Peroxyl (half a capful) for one minute and then spit it out.
You may use Peroxyl up to four times daily following your schedule for brushing: after meals (or after school) and before bed. Just like using peroxide for a scrape on your skin, Peroxyl helps the inside of your mouth heal. Peroxyl can be used for general irritation caused by your braces or for canker sores, cheek bites and other minor temporary injuries to the gums.
3. Try topical fluoride.
Phos-Flur is a sodium fluoride gel that helps prevent tooth decay while you are wearing braces by killing bacteria and replacing minerals in tooth enamel that have been exposed to harmful acids.
- The use of Phos-Flur does not replace daily brushing and flossing.
- Use it at bedtime Place a small strip of Phos-Flur on a toothbrush and apply for one minute and spit it out.
- You may not eat or drink for 30 minutes after you use Phos-Flur. (It’s important for the active ingredient to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes, so don’t wash it away by eating or drinking.
4. Clean your removable appliance every day.
Brush your removable appliance (retainers and/or clear aligners) every day as a part of your regular oral hygiene habits. Food particles and plaque can accumulate on your appliance, so it’s best to soak it daily.
Dissolve a Polident, Efferdent or other denture-cleaning tablet in a glass of tap water at room temperature and soak your appliance once every day.
Your appliance will taste better, and you will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation!
