At Ahava Orthodontics, our talented and compassionate Fort Worth orthodontist, Dr. Barron, provides patients of all ages with exceptional orthodontic care. We want all our patients to have a trouble-free orthodontic experience so they can achieve the straight and healthy smiles they deserve as quickly as possible!
When you have braces bonded to your teeth, it’s of the utmost importance to be super diligent with your oral hygiene for the entire time you’re in treatment. Because there are now many more places for food particles and plaque to collect around your braces, you should be sure to brush and floss your teeth after eating meals & snacks and before bedtime to prevent plaque from building up.
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Without question, the best way to keep your smile healthy while you’re wearing braces is to maintain an excellent oral hygiene regime. Below are a few tools to use that can make it easier to keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces.
- Interdental Toothbrush – A Proxabrush is an interdental toothbrush that makes it easier to clean under and around your wires and brackets. Just be sure to use the brush gently so you don’t damage your appliances.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash – We recommend using Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse that helps prevent infection while decreasing irritation that can come from your braces. Simply rinse your mouth with 2 teaspoons of Peroxyl (half a capful) for one minute and then spit it out. You can use Peroxyl up to four time each day following your brushing schedule.
- Topical Fluoride – Phos-Flur is a sodium fluoride gel that helps prevent tooth decay by killing bacteria. Phos-Flur also replaces minerals in tooth enamel that have been exposed to harmful acids. The use of this topical fluoride does not replace daily brushing & flossing but instead should be done after you brush and floss at bedtime. Just put a small dab of Phos-Flur on your toothbrush and apply it to your teeth for one minute and then spit it out. Avoid eating or drinking for ½ hour after use.
How to Clean Your Removable Aligners
Food particles and plaque can build up on your removable aligners just like they do on your teeth. Therefore, you need to brush your aligners each time you brush your teeth to keep them clean. You also should soak your aligners once per day using a denture cleaning tablet (like Efferdent) dissolved in a glass of lukewarm tap water. This will fight harmful bacteria & plaque and make your aligners taste better.
Contact Your Orthodontist in Fort Worth
If you have any questions about maintaining good oral hygiene, please don’t hesitate to contact us as we’re always happy to speak with you! Dr. Barron and his amazing team at Ahava Orthodontics wants the time you spend in treatment to be a pleasant, trouble-free time so you can achieve the smile of your dreams as quickly as possible!
