Cleaning Instructions, 410-696-4624, Dr. Trepp, Orthodontist

BRUSHING

Twice a day brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important things that you can do to keep your breath fresh and your smile shining bright. When children less than 8 years old are using a fluoride toothpaste, they should be supervised to make sure that they only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and that they spit the toothpaste out and rinse with water when done brushing. Permanent stains, cavities and gum disease are all caused by bacteria (germs) that live on teeth in a white sticky coating called plaque. PLAQUE MUST BE REMOVED EVERY DAY. Braces make it harder to remove plaque. Brackets, bands and archwires create nooks and crannies that are hard to reach, therefore cleaning is different and can take up to three times longer. Poor oral hygiene (cleaning) during orthodontic tooth movement can accelerate deterioration of your gums and the bone around your teeth leading to tooth loss.

Harsh brushing can damage or abrade your teeth and cause gum recession. Use a gentle touch and a soft bristle toothbrush when cleaning your teeth. Rinse your toothbrush under hot water to soften its bristles even more. The brush should be placed against the teeth at an angle. The bristles should be gently pushed UNDER the wire and between the teeth.

tooth brushing sketch

The brush should then be wiggled and moved in small circles, a few teeth at a time. This should be done from above and below the main wire. Pay particular attention to the area between the braces and gums which are so prone to holding plaque that we call it the "danger zone". Spend about 10 seconds brushing each tooth. When the brushing is finished, the braces should be shiny, the gum margin should be distinct and the gum tissue should be firm and a light pink color. Don't forget to gently brush your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth to reduce the germ level and improve breath freshness. A careful brushing should take 5 minutes and should be done within 10 minutes after eating. When brushing is complete, rinse your brush thoroughly to clean it.

FLOSSING

Flossing during orthodonitc treatment is tricky and time consuming, but with practice it can become an easy daily routine. Flossing WITH braces is more important than flossing without them, because plaque collects around the appliance. Plaque is the major cause of gum disease and must be removed daily. Only floss can reach BETWEEN the teeth to remove plaque.

WAXED floss or tape should be used; unwaxed floss will shred on the metal edges of the bands and brackets. Use a piece of floss about 18" long. Your orthodontic assistants can show you how it is held. The floss must be threaded under the main wire before it is passed between the teeth. A plastic "floss threader" or "bridge aid" can be used to help thread the floss under the main wire.

Be careful not to snap the floss as it is moved between the teeth. Steady pressure works best. Rub the floss up and down against the sides of each tooth; avoid using a shoeshine motion. Do not force the floss hard into the gums, but be sure to clean the tooth surface under the loose collar of the gum tissue. Repeat this procedure for each tooth. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth. Parents should floss younger children who may not have the fine motor skills to floss properly.

An alternative to hand flossing is the Teledyne Flosser. It is a battery operated device that has a replaceable rubber tip which vibrates. The rubber tip is placed between adjacent teeth and is moved up and down the sides of the teeth to rub off food and germs clinging to the sides of the tooth. Wipe off the tip if it becomes covered with debris before placing it against the side of the next tooth. This cleaning device is available at major retailers for less than $30.

Teledyne Flosser Image

RINSING

Rinsing your mouth with Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash for 30 seconds twice a day has been shown to reduce bacterial plaque and gingivitis by 20 % in three clinical studies. Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash contains an essential oil and has received the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. Always spit out the Listerine after your 30 second rinses. Children under the age of 12 years old should not use Listerine

Listerine Image

When done brushing, flossing, and rinsing, pull your lips and cheeks away from your teeth and inspect your work in a mirror. Metal braces should shine and your teeth should be free of the cream colored filmy plaque. Remember that you may be a role model for younger family members watching you, so set a good example.

[ Go to Menu ]

You may schedule an orthodontic appointment with Dr. William Trepp in his Pasadena, MD office by calling 410.696.4624 or in his Clinton, MD office by calling 301.868.6200. Written inquiries should be mailed to: 3020 Mountain RD, Pasadena, MD 21122, USA or 8918 Woodyard RD, Clinton, MD 20735, USA