Ready, set, brackets in place!!!!!! The magic of orthodontics begins, but what obligations does the patient have? It is worth mentioning the commitment to the routine of appointments, the precaution of not eating crunchy foods, collaboration for the proper use of elastics and careful oral hygiene, a task that I am going to talk about next… You wear brackets, wires, rubber bands and other orthodontic elements (uff!!)… The maintenance of hygiene is complicated, I know, but it is essential for the success of your treatment a proper cleaning, because among other things, healthy gums provide a more suitable environment for the movement of teeth. And you want your treatment to be successful, don’t you, so take note:
- Brushing:
It is necessary to brush your teeth immediately after every meal, even if you have not eaten solid food! It is not necessary to use a large amount of toothpaste, toothpaste the size of a pea is always enough. You will have to spend more time brushing, don’t be in a hurry! Now, as more nooks and crannies are created with the fixed appliances, it is somewhat less easy, but with desire, you will be able to do it very well. The brushing technique to be used may differ from the one you were using before wearing braces, but don’t worry because at the clinic we will give you a practical demonstration of how to do it if you have any doubts. Use a brush with a small brush head and soft filaments. There are also special orthodontic brushes with V-shaped bristles, but any conventional brush will do the job. Likewise, if you use an electric toothbrush, you can continue with it. Pay special attention to all the spaces that may be between the teeth, and to the gingival margin area, since this is a critical area that, if not kept free of dental plaque, will cause gum inflammation, risk of caries, etc…
- Auxiliary products:
To win this battle we must ally ourselves to other auxiliary cleaning elements that will guarantee your success. In addition to brushing our teeth, I advise you to have on hand:
- Interproximal brushes: These are small brushes of different diameters useful for cleaning the spaces between teeth, between brackets and brackets, even for any area that is difficult to access with a normal toothbrush.
- Flossing: Flossing brackets requires you to have three fundamental qualities: skillful hands, patience and motivation. If you meet these three requirements, all you have to do is thread the floss through the archwire, and voila, you’ve done it! I recommend doing it once a day, in the evening is an ideal time.
There is a special type of dental floss, which you can find under the name of “farmafloss” or “superfloss” that is great for beginners in the braces club.
- Other oral hygiene products such as irrigators are also good companions for toothbrushes and dental floss. They release water under pressure, so that many food debris trapped between the teeth are released and thus we get a deeper cleaning.
- Finally, the use of rinses or mouthwashes is always welcome. In the market you will find mouthwashes, including specific ones for patients with braces, formulated with active ingredients with anti-plaque action and enamel remineralization effect.
Interesting what I am telling you, isn’t it? But I have to remind you that these secondary products do not eliminate the need for the mechanical sweeping effect of the toothbrush, in other words, they help you but they do not replace the toothbrush of a lifetime!
- Others:
- Bacterial plaque developer:
If you think you brush your teeth well, if you use the interproximal brush, dental floss and other tricks, and still you have noticed that you have inflamed gums or bleeding in some area, surely there is a logical and simple explanation, do not be alarmed! The plaque discloser makes visible to your enemy (until now unnoticed) the dental plaque, staining in blue or pink the areas where it hides, and you can find it in different formats such as liquid or tablets.
With all these tips you have won the war, you just have to put them into practice, and remember, you have at your disposal a great team that will guide you and clarify all your doubts. I like to see you smile!!!!
Author: Dr. Beatriz Izquierdo – Orthodontist – Col. nº 46003509
