Oral Hygiene

You’ve Got Braces!
After appliances and/or braces have been placed, you will be provided with a hygiene kit that will contain a travel toothbrush, floss threaders, wax, floss, disclosing tablets, Kanka or Zilactin B, a brushing timer, toothpaste, proxi oral brushes and fluoride rinse information.

As supplies are depleted, the following is a list of stores where you may purchase new supplies:

Soft Toothbrush* - Any food or drug store
Floss Threaders - Fred Meyer, Safeway, Walgreens
Proxi Oral Brushes - Rite Aid, Safeway, Walgreens
Orthodontic Wax - Walgreens or just ask us!
Disclosing Tablets - Dr. Stevenson’s office: just ask!
Kanka or Zilactin B - Fred Meyer, Safeway, Walgreens
Fluoride Rinse - Ask for it at the pharmacy counter

*We feel that replacing your toothbrush regularly is very important.

Taking Care of Braces
Along with wearing braces comes the responsibility of taking care of them. Although the braces are made of hard material, they can still come off the teeth if enough pressure is placed on them. Therefore, there are certain foods that you should avoid that may damage the braces.

Hard food such as jerky, pretzels, tortilla chips, corn nuts, popcorn, nuts and hard candy should be avoided. Sticky foods such as taffy, licorice, Gummy Bears, Sugar Daddies and caramels should also be avoided. Carrots and apples should be cut up in small pieces. It is best to cut the corn from off the cob. Avoid chewing on pens and pencils.

Dr. Stevenson does allow the patients to chew sugarless gum such as Freedent or Trident. A low sugar diet is recommended to reduce the potential of tooth decay and decalcification (white marks on teeth). It is wise to stay away from excessive use of soft drinks and food with sugar.

Brushing is an important part of taking care of braces and teeth. Dr. Stevenson recommends that brushing take place after breakfast for 3 minutes with toothpaste, after lunch a quick 60-second brush, after dinner another quick brush and before bedtime a final brush for 5 to 7 minutes with toothpaste. This is followed by flossing and fluoride rinse. Proper brushing and flossing will prevent white scars called decalcifications from forming on the teeth around the braces, as well as swollen gums that can lead to gingivitis. Developing excellent oral hygiene skills will benefit the health of the teeth and gums for a lifetime!

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.

Antibacterial Mouthwash
Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse, will reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks. Peroxyl helps to prevent infection and decrease irritation that may develop from your braces. Rinse your mouth with two teaspoons of Peroxyl (half a capful) for one minute and then spit it out. You may use Peroxyl up to four times daily following your schedule for brushing: after meals (or after school) and before bed. Just like using peroxide for a scrape on your skin, Peroxyl helps the inside of your mouth heal. Peroxyl can be used for general irritation caused by your braces or for canker sores, cheek bites and other minor temporary injuries to the gums. Peroxyl is available over the counter at most drug stores.

Topical Fluoride
Phos-Flur is a sodium fluoride gel that helps 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 does not replace daily brushing and flossing but should be done following your daily schedule at bedtime. Place a small strip of Phos-Flur on a toothbrush and apply it to your teeth for one minute and spit it out. You may not eat or drink for 30 minutes after you use Phos-Flur. 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. A prescription is not needed, but you will need to ask your pharmacist for this product.

Cleaning Your Removable Appliance
Brush your removable appliance every day as a 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. Dissolve a Polident, Efferdent or other denture-cleaning tablet in a glass of tap water at room temperature and soak your appliance once every day. Your appliance will taste better, and you will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation.