Oral Hygiene

Excellent oral hygiene is even more important when you wear braces. This requires a bit of practice and good willingness.

Take a look at our videos and refresh your technique!

Rinsing

Rinse with water before flossing and before every brushing.

An oral irrigator is recommended for all patients. This device sends a pressurized stream of water which helps remove stuck food. It is used before brushing and does not replace brushing or flossing.

Irrigators are sold under the brands "WaterPik", "Oral B" and "Interplak" at a price of $ 40 to $ 60. There are now portable models available that can even be used in the shower.

Flossing

Floss once a day preferably at night, using a threader or "Superfloss”. It is important to surround the teeth by rubbing on each side and go under the gum line with the floss.

Practice flossing every day! You can start by doing a half-mouth each night, alternating upper and lower teeth. You will be able to do your full mouth in no time.

Brushing

Brush 3-4 times a day for about 2-3 minutes every brushing. The brush must be placed at 45° on the gums, The bristles placed toward the braces (diagonally into the space between the gum and casings). This is where everything builds up. Brush 2-3 teeth at a time, with small circular movements made in the same place for at least 10 seconds. Then brush the other surfaces of your teeth and your tongue.

Choosing your toothbrush

The bristles of your toothbrush should be soft or ultra-soft. If not they are too hard!
The size should be small or compact for children and adults
The manual toothbrush "orthodontic"is a very good choice

Electric toothbrush

An electric toothbrush can be a very good choice, it does not break braces. However, it must be use in the same way as manual brushing (placed at 45 ° on the gum). "Oral-b" electrical toothbrushes are an excellent choice.

Proxabrush

Use a proxabrush 2x a day to brush around the brackets. Brush each side of the brackets very closely.

Fluoride rinse

Intermittent use 1x a day of fluoride rinses "Anti-caries agent" from Oral-B or "Fluorinse" from Oral-B is recommended during treatment to prevent tooth decay. This fluoride rinsing is done as the last step of your oral hygiene routine. Then avoid drinking or eating for the following 30 minutes.

Dentist

Please note that we work as a team with your dentist! A periodic exam and cleaning done by your dentist every 6 months is essential during orthodontic treatment.

Warning

Plaque that accumulates around your braces cause irreversible stains! These are surface cavities that cannot be repaired.

If you neglect to brush your gums, or use dental floss daily, your gums will swell and make brushing impossible in some places. Orthodontic movements will also be more difficult.