My Braces brushing routine?
Question:
I brush after I had my breakfast
After every meal or snack, I use a water pik to get all the debris in between my brackets.
I brush and floss and night.
So basically, I only brush twice a day and floss every night. Is that ok?
Answers:
Having orthodontic treatment does require some "extra time" with hygiene. Only brushing twice a day may, or may not be enough, I don't know how thoroughly you are brushing.
If you have time to use the water pik after snacks and lunch, you should have time to brush; brushing would be more effective at removing the plaque. Although the use of a water pik is helpful during your orthodontic treatment, it should not be relied solely upon for keeping your teeth clean in between meals.
The main reason we ask you to brush more often and more thoroughly with orthodontia is because of all the extra wires and metal pieces that can retain food particles and bacteria keeping them trapped close to, or on, the tissue and teeth which can lead to inflammation of the tissue and plaque build up which initiates decay.
We want to correct your dental problem, but we also want to remove your braces when your treatment is complete to uncover a beautiful and healthy smile with firm pink tissue. Not a smile with rampant decay and swollen, bleeding and receding gums, that do not grow back. All of that can be prevented by you taking the extra time to floss, brush and check your teeth, tissue and braces thoroughly. So it's really up to you, if you think you are keeping them clean enough with what you are doing, then keep doing your routine. If you notice any change in your tissue, teeth or even your breath, then re-evaluate your routine adding another thorough flossing and brushing. If it's not enough your orthodontist will certainly let you know at your next appointment. I hope I've been of some help and good luck with your ortho, keep them clean for a beautiful smile that you can be proud of!
you're really good at that i think :) keep it up and you'll be gorgeous teeth when they come off!
no its horible
no your supposed to brush after every meal
I brush at least 17 times a day, your teeth are sooooo not healthy
I had braces for 1 year. I think it would be better if you
brush after every meal/snack to get all the food out of
your teeth and braces. Sometimes food gets stuck.
But then again, if you floss at night and take care of your
mouth then you're probably fine. :p
It's not how much you brush, it's how well you brush.
Here is my orthodontist's guide to brushing with braces:
There are 3 main angles to hit while brushing. For the top, you first, brush in little circles right on your gums above your braces. Spend the most time on this part, since it is the most common area of plaque and can easily get infected. Then brush straight across the brackets of your braces. Lastly, turn your brushes so the bristles are pointing upwards and brush the underside/edge of your teeth. Brush the back of your teeth as normal. Then, repeat on the bottom jaw.
Make sure you brush your teeth for at least three minutes, and don't use excessive amounts of toothpaste.
If you are brushing well and often, your teeth will truly sparkle when you get your braces off!
=]
well im sure if you brush once more about 1 oclock in the evening youll get rid of those anoying midday pubes
you do a much better job than i did when i had braces... and my teeth are beautiful (any dentist ive ever gone to has told me so). i doubt you have much to worry about. youll only get cavities and have problems if you let food get stuck in your brackets and leave it there for more than a couple days. (yuck!)
normal brushing is fine (once in the morning and once at night).
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