Oral Hygiene
Interdental Toothbrush
A Proxabrush is an interdental (between the teeth) toothbrush that you may use to clean 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.
Topical Fluoride
Phos-Flur sodium fluoride rinse and Gel Kam sodium fluoride gel help prevent tooth decay while you are wearing braces by killing bacteria and replacing minerals in tooth enamel that have been exposed to harmful acids. The use of Phos-Flur or Gel Kam does not replace daily brushing and flossing, but should be done following your daily schedule at bedtime. Place a small amount (pea size) of Gel Kam on a toothbrush and apply it by brushing your teeth for one minute before spitting it out. Please do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using Gel Kam. It is important for the active ingredient to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes, so do not wash it away by eating or drinking. Phos-Flur sodium fluoride rinse is another option available for patients who prefer to swish and spit out. Also meant for daily use to remineralize teeth while undergoing your orthodontic treatment.
Cleaning your Removable Appliance
Brush your removable appliance every day as part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule. Because food particles and plaque can accumulate on your appliance, just as they do on your teeth, soak the appliance daily. If you desire, you may dissolve a Polident, Efferdent or other denture-cleaning tablet in a glass of cool tap water and soak your appliance daily. You may also use plain white vinegar as a soak for only 10 minutes once or twice a week. Mouthwash can also be used to clean your removable appliance. Your removable appliance will continue to sparkle. Your appliance will taste better, and you will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation.