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There is a reason that you are encouraged to always brush and floss; oral hygiene is the key for having strong teeth, healthy gums and a beautiful smile. While brushing and flossing is essential, you can take your oral hygiene routine to the next level with these oral care tools and tips that will make sure that your mouth stays clean. Of course, no at-home oral hygiene routine can substitute regular visits to your dentist and to our office for cleanings and checkups to protect you from any dental issues.
Interdental Toothbrush
A Proxabrush® is an interdental brush that looks like a toothbrush but has a special brush head that is designed to fit perfectly between your teeth. These interdental toothbrushes are ideal for cleaning underneath and around your wires and braces. Use the Proxabrush® gently to avoid damaging your wires. The Proxabrush® will help you to clean your braces while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.Antibacterial Mouthwash
There are a wide variety of mouthwashes that you can choose from at the store, but a strong antibacterial mouthwash will make sure that your mouth is free of any food particles, bacteria and plaque. We recommend Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse that will reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks if any, as well as keep the rest of your mouth perfectly clean. Peroxyl also 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. Peroxyl performs the double duty of cleaning your mouth and helping heal conditions such as gum disease, gingivitis, canker sores and irritation from orthodontic treatment.Topical Fluoride
Fluoride is a special mineral that not only helps restore essential vitamins and minerals to your teeth that are lost from tooth decay, but also helps strengthen your teeth to protect against future damage. We recommend a topical fluoride known as Phos-Flur, a sodium fluoride gel that helps prevent tooth decay while you are wearing braces. Phos-Flur protects your smile by killing bacteria and replacing minerals in tooth enamel that have been exposed to harmful acids.
You can use Phos-Flur daily, however, it does not replace daily brushing and flossing. Phos-Flur should be used following your daily bedtime routine. To use Phos-Flur, just place a small strip of it on your toothbrush and apply it to your teeth for one minute and spit it out. You may not eat, drink or rinse out your mouth for 30 minutes after you use Phos-Flur, since it is important for the active ingredient to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes to take effect.
Cleaning Your Removable Appliance
Removable appliances like Invisalign® aligners or retainers can help you achieve that perfect smile, but it is possible for food particles and bacteria to build up on the appliances, which put you at a higher risk for tooth decay. Brush your removable appliance every day as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule.
You can also dissolve a Polident®, Efferdent® or any 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.
For more oral care tips, just contact our orthodontist today and we will help you keep your mouth clean and your smile looking radiant. Our experienced orthodontic team are committed to providing you and your family with the quality care that you deserve, with orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign aligners that transform your smile. We invite you to call 561-964-5200 to schedule an appointment at McCaffrey Orthodontics West Palm Beach with Dr. Kevin McCaffrey and learn more about orthodontics in West Palm Beach, Florida. We look forward to welcoming you to our family of patients!
