Brushing and Flossing
The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile is frequent brushing and flossing. Food particles can accumulate on teeth and in braces, and over time, turn into plaque. The bacteria that results from this accumulation can lead to gum disease, permanent staining (decalcification) and tooth decay. To avoid these problems while you are in orthodontic treatment, take special care of your braces, teeth and gums to ensure you will have the best possible result.Brushing
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth, between braces and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush up on the lower teeth, down on the upper teeth and the outside, inside and chewing surface of your front and back teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse. Especially during orthodontic treatment, brush your teeth four times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles in your teeth and braces. Make sure to brush:- In the morning after breakfast
- After lunch or right after school
- After supper
- At bedtime
Flossing
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is important to floss your teeth every day. Use the reusable floss threader provided by our office to floss under your archwire daily. Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser through the threader and slide it up and down along the front of each tooth. You will be able to feel when the tooth is clean and hear the squeak of the floss against your clean teeth. Use care around your archwire and do not floss too forcefully around it or put too much pressure on it. Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing around your braces, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, inform a staff member at your next appointment.Contact Us
Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is located at 4901 N 44th St #101 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 595-3531Recent Posts
The Importance Of Early Orthodontic Treatment
You will be surprised how early orthodontic treatment, including teeth straightening, can solve childhood dental problems. Crooked teeth, overcrowding, and tooth decay are some of the issues children face early in life. These days, parents have finally realized the importance of proper dental health. They know how it can affect the kids’ well-being.Teeth straightening is…
Toothbrushing Tips For Young Children
Toothbrushing is an essential practice for dental health. Doing it along with flossing can help children set a good dental care routine at an early age. It takes patience to teach your child to do it right until the habit forms. If you want to know more toothbrushing tips you can share with your young…
Caring For A Knocked Out Baby Tooth
A knocked out baby tooth can result from a collision, fall, or game. It can be devastating to see your child come to you with a tooth gap. The first thing to do is stay calm. Caring for the tooth is important for re-implantation. If you want to know how to care for your child’s…
How To Care For A Kids Toothache
If there is one thing parents do not know how to deal with, it is kids toothaches. Not only are you worried about your kids, but they become irritable when they are in pain. The first thing you should do is set an appointment with a pediatric dentist. But while you wait for the schedule,…
Your Child's First Dental Visit
Every parent dreads making an appointment for their little ones' first dental visit. None of us like to go to the dentist, no matter our age. However, look at it from their point of view. They don't know anything about the dentist, and they will feel the emotions that you show.As a parent, you want…