Oral Hygiene

Flossing while Wearing Braces

Flossing with braces is a bit more difficult than some initially assume. However, there is no reason to be intimidated by flossing while wearing braces. A floss threader flushes out particles of food that are trapped within cramped spaces. Flossing has the potential to cause discomfort yet it is just as important, if not more important, than brushing. Floss threaders and the use of the optimal flossing technique make it that much easier to floss while wearing braces.

Flossing while wearing braces is awkward as there is a wire moving through each of the braces that serves as a bridge of sorts. The archwire makes it difficult to floss in the traditional manner, meaning it is time to get a bit creative with the assistance of our orthodontist in Fort Worth. Here’s how to do it.

Thread your floss through the spaces behind the braces’ wires, ensuring that you do not mistakenly pull the wire upward when moving the floss. Now that the floss has moved through the space, transition to the next gap. Be gentle while threading the waxed floss, performing a measured and careful flossing experience. Be gentle, take your time and focus on precision and you’ll find flossing with braces isn’t as difficult as expected.

Fort Worth patients who wear braces should consider the merits of floss that is wax-covered. Floss of the non-wax variety has the potential to become entrapped within the braces, potentially leaving small bits of floss behind. Floss between your teeth after each meal or at least two times per day and you’ll enjoy fresher, better-smelling breath that boosts your confidence and also helps you in the context of social graces.

Rinsing with an Antibacterial Mouthwash

Rinsing with any old mouthwash will not suffice, especially if you only rinse once per day. Our orthodontist in Fort Worth recommends rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash two times per day or after each meal. If you have the time, consider flossing, brushing and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash 20 minutes or after eating a meal. The logic in waiting to clean your mouth after eating is that tooth enamel is still sensitive after contact with the food. Opt for an antibacterial mouthwash that combats nasty bacteria lurking in your mouth and you’ll rest easy knowing you’ve done your part to thwart diminutive threats to your oral health.

Antibacterial is the operative word as it indicates the mouthwash does more than freshen breath. Antibacterial mouthwashes freshen the breath. Antibacterial mouthwash also eliminate most of the unseen harmful bacteria lurking in your mouth when used in combination with floss and toothpaste/brushing. Children older than the age of six can use mouthwash yet mouthwash with alcohol should not be within reach of the youngsters in the house. Remember to rinse with mouthwash after flossing and you’ll succeed in removing food particles, bacteria and other tiny threats within your mouth.

Using an Interdental Toothbrush

Interdental toothbrushes are flexible brushes carefully crafted to slide between teeth. Interdental toothbrushes pluck out food particles and even eliminate some plaque. These unique brushes are designed with bristled, soft heads that serve as a functional alternative to flossing. Interdental toothbrushes are ideal for patients who have expansive spaces between teeth that make it challenging to floss out small particles of food. Patients who have braces, dental bridges and retainers are also advised to give interdental toothbrushes a try. These unique brushes are also made with L shapes to clean in between molar teeth.

Though interdental toothbrushes feel different in the hand than regular toothbrushes, they are that much easier to use when held properly. Our orthodontist in Fort Worth recommends holding the interdental toothbrush between the index finger and thumb similar to how a pencil is held. This approach makes it easier to hold onto the toothbrush without straining the fingers. Proceed to gently brush between the teeth a couple times, moving the brush left and right. If you find the interdental toothbrush sticks, consider trying a smaller toothbrush. If you have any questions as to how to use the interdental toothbrush or if you are concerned that you are not using the toothbrush the right way, our orthodontist in Fort Worth is here to help.

Cleaning Your Removable Appliance

Your removable appliance is fundamental to your oral health and possibly even the beauty of your smile. However, if you are like most patients, you might be inclined to assume the removable appliance will function without flaw regardless of whether you clean or maintain it. The cleanliness of your removable appliance shapes its utility and also your health.

Follow the advice of Christopher Sorokolit, DDS, MS and you’ll find cleaning your removable appliance is significantly easier and more effective than would be possible had you invested your limited time attempting to figure out the nuances of the process on y our own. Our Fort Worth dental practice has all the information you need to properly clean, maintain and use removable appliances. Though it might seem a bit counterintuitive, it is not in your interest to add toothpaste to the removable appliance. Toothpaste is likely to create small scratches along the appliance that provide an opportunity for bacteria to grow, leading to an unsightly hue along with nasty odors. However, the use of warm water with dish detergent will suffice. Use a brush with soft bristles to apply the antibacterial agent and water. You can also use cleansers, pastes and other specialized solutions as long as they are non-abrasive.

Be sure to rinse the appliance after brushing it. Above all, dedicate a brush for each dental appliance so they do not end up contaminating one another after use. Furthermore, it is a mistake to boil water in a pot and add the appliance to it assuming it will clean the appliance on its own. The heat from boiling water has the potential to manipulate the removable appliance, causing it to warp or possibly even ruin it after extended exposure to high temperatures.