Download Brush, ​Brush,​ ​Brush - Olympus Pointe Orthodontics

Garri Tsibel, DDS Orthodontic Specialist Olympus Pointe Orthodontics ~where smiles and futures align~ 1565 Eureka Road • Roseville, CA 95661 (916)789­1100 • Fax (916)789­1967 www.GetYourBraces.com Brush, ​
Brush,​
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Brush​
!!! Brushing your teeth is even more important when you are wearing braces. Food can get stuck on your braces and cause staining, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are some suggestions on when and how to brush your teeth . . . Type of Toothbrush:​
You can use any brand of toothbrush you like, but it should have lots of soft bristles. Change your toothbrush often, no less than every three months. Toothbrushes are cheap compared to cavities. If you prefer to use an electric toothbrush, that is fine. Braun/Oral­B, Interplak, and Sonicare all make effective electric toothbrushes. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric is a personal choice. Properly used, either is effective. If you choose an electric, remember that the brush heads need to be changed as frequently as a manual toothbrush (every 3 months), so keep several spares on hand. A worn out head is ineffective and will not remove plaque properly. Type of Toothpaste:​
Any toothpaste that has fluoride is satisfactory. You should choose toothpaste that will motivate you to brush. In addition, it's really good to use an over­the­counter fluoride rinse (like ACT or Colgate) every day, per instructions on the bottle, to strengthen your enamel while wearing braces. Flossing:​
Flossing while you are wearing braces is more difficult, but well worth it. You will need a floss threader in order to floss more easily. You can get these at any drugstore. But remember, the most important step in good oral hygiene is to brush A LOT! Frequency of Brushing:​
Brush at ​
least five times a day​
following this schedule: ● As soon as you wake up, brush really well (at least four minutes). Plaque has had all night to build up on your teeth. Do this before you get dressed or eat breakfast so you won't be rushed. ● After breakfast, give a quick brush. This is to remove breakfast from your teeth. ● After school, brush really well again. Plaque has been sitting on your teeth since the morning. ● After dinner, another quickie. ● Before you go to bed, scrub 'em good. Now is the time to floss too. Always remember to not only brush your teeth, but your gums too!!!​
Poorly cleaned gums are just as bad as poorly cleaned teeth. They will become puffy, red, and have a tendency to bleed. So, attend to your gums during every brushing session. The schedule we have suggested takes very little time. Keeping your teeth and gums well cleaned will eliminate bad breath, puffy and unhealthy gums, damage to your teeth, and will speed up the removal of your braces. If you have any questions, please be sure to ask one of us.