Individuals with any form of orthodontic appliance should be cleaning their teeth multiple times a day. This will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy throughout your treatment. Inevitably, you will be put in situations where you are on the go and need to clean your teeth. For your convenience, it is recommended that you stash portable dental items in a bag to help ensure they are always available to you.
When cleaning your teeth on the go, there are a number of tools that you will need in order to ensure you are properly taking care of your mouth. These include:
- Water: While water is obviously needed when brushing your teeth, it can also be useful when you do not have access to a toothbrush. In cases where you have consumed sugary or acidic beverages, swishing water around your mouth can help to remove any traces of the beverage, as well as food particles.
- Toothpaste: Travel-sized toothpaste tubes are very convenient when you are on the go.
- A toothbrush: Travel toothbrushes are also readily available at many stores, and take up less space than a regular toothbrush.
- An interproximal brush: This tool is used to remove food that is stuck around brackets, between the archwire and teeth, and between teeth.
- Floss: Floss and a floss threader are both handy for cleaning the spaces between your teeth. Plus, minty floss freshens breath!
- A mirror: A small mirror can be helpful to ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned your teeth.
Brushing Instructions
We have put together some simple brushing instructions to help you best care for your teeth with braces. Follow the steps below for a healthy, beautiful smile.
Brushing: Step 1
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Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.
Brushing: Step 2
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Gently brush in a circular motion.
Brushing: Step 3
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Brush the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Brushing: Step 4
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Use the tip of your toothbrush to clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth.
Flossing Instructions
We have also created easy-to-follow flossing instructions to ensure that your teeth are clean and healthy throughout your treatment.
Flossing: Step 1
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Use a piece of floss that is about 18 inches long. Carefully thread the end of the floss between the braces and wire. A floss threader may be helpful.
Flossing: Step 2
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Gently floss around the braces.
Flossing: Step 3
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Carefully floss around the gums.
Flossing: Step 4
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Gently floss around each individual tooth.
