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Caring For Your Teeth |
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Our
mouths contain millions of bacteria which stick to our teeth to
form plaque. Plaque causes tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. |
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Removable braces are removed for brushing and should be cleaned
with a normal toothbrush and toothpaste - taking care not to
bend any of the wires. |
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When a fixed brace has been fitted you will need to buy a 'care
pack' from our receptionist. This contains special toothbrushes,
disclosing tablets, fluoride mouthrinse and soft wax to mould
over your brace if it is rubbing. |
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Diet |
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It is
important to exercise care when eating all foods and in
particular you must avoid hard and sticky foods which can damage
your brace, or break it completely. Hard fruits, raw vegetables,
and crusty bread must be cut into small pieces. Foods containing sugar react with plaque to form acid. Fizzy
drinks and fruit juices also contain acid. This dissolves enamel
causing decalcification and tooth decay. |
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Your
Dentist |
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If you
have a brace it is very important to keep your regular
six-monthly appointments with your general dentist. This will
guarantee that your teeth and gums are properly cared for. |
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How
do I clean around my fixed braces? |
- Remove any elastics that you
may be wearing with your fixed brace.
- Power toothbrushes can remove more plaque than ordinary manual
toothbrushes. Some have brush heads specifically made for use
with braces.
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Interdental brushes have very small heads with fine bristles,
perfect for cleaning under wires where the brackets are stuck on
to your teeth.
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Irrigation devices use a pressurized stream of water to clean
around braces and along the gumline. These devices are a
supplement to brushing - not a replacement!
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- Dirty
teeth and dirty braces look horrible! If plaque is not removed
the gums will swell and bleed.
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Decalcification of the enamel and tooth decay is not common. This
damage occurs when sweets and acidic drinks are consumed between
meals.
- A small
brush is recommended for cleaning the brackets, one at a time.
- A ‘bottle-brush’ should be used to clean beneath the wire and
along the sides of the brackets every time you brush.
- Your ordinary toothbrush should be used to keep the gums clean
and healthy! Place the brush above the brace and angle the
bristles into the gum. Brush gently with short back and forward
motions. Brush the gum around each tooth, one at a time.
- There
are many different powered tooth brushes, they are all good. We
recommend Sonicare TM for our patients with fixed braces.
- Disclosing
tablets will show where you have not brushed properly.
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If you
keep to a sensible diet and brush your teeth thoroughly you will
have beautiful teeth and healthy gums when your braces are
removed and a smile to be proud of! |
