2.1 Tooth brushing.
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, pointing toward the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth 8-10 times. Gradually move down toward the tips of the teeth, brushing each tooth on all sides in order: the outer surface, the inner surface, the chewing surface, and the tongue.
1) For the front teeth, brush the inner surfaces parallel to the tooth axis, making sure to reach the gum line.
2) For the back teeth, place the brush as you would for the outer surfaces, making sure to reach the gum line.
3) For the chewing surfaces, brush along the grooves of the teeth.
2.2 Cleaning between the teeth.
1) Use dental floss after brushing. Wrap the floss around your middle, index, and thumb fingers to control it.
2) Wrap the floss around each tooth in a semicircular shape, using your fingers to move it gently back and forth, up and down.
3) Use an interdental brush to clean both the spaces between the teeth and the sides of the teeth that are in contact. Choose the appropriate brush size based on the gap between the teeth.
4) Brush the areas adjacent to the gaps by tilting the brush, using an interdental brush, or a piece of gauze.
2.3 Cleaning dental bridges.
1) Clean the dental bridge, focusing on the tooth surfaces at the junction between the bridge and the gums, both on the cheek side and the tongue side.
2) Use dental floss with a floss threader or superfloss to clean between the teeth of the dental bridge.
3) Use dental floss to clean underneath the artificial tooth that replaces the missing space.
4) Use an interdental brush to clean both the sides of the artificial teeth and between the teeth.
*** Clean your mouth after meals, and you may use a fluoride mouthwash to help reduce the effects of snacking. Regularly check your oral health. ***
2.4 Oral care for orthodontic patients.
1) Brushing teeth.
– Brush near the gumline.
– Brush above the wire.
– Brush on the wire.
– Brush under the wire.
2) Dental floss and superfloss.
– Use the stiff end of the superfloss to thread it through the gap between the teeth and the orthodontic wire.
– Pull the superfloss through the orthodontic wire until the sponge-like section of the superfloss reaches the wire or the area of the orthodontic appliance you wish to clean, such as the bracket.
– Use the sponge section of the superfloss to clean the orthodontic wire by moving it back and forth.
– You can move the superfloss sponge section to the next area that needs cleaning.
– The thin section of the superfloss, similar to regular dental floss, is used to clean the sides of the teeth, interdental spaces, and the gumline, following the usual flossing technique.
– Follow all the instructions for other areas of the mouth, including the areas around the braces, brackets, and interdental spaces.
– It is recommended to use superfloss daily, at least once before brushing in the evening, to help reduce food debris and bacteria buildup.
3) Using an interdental brush.
– Choose the appropriate size of the interdental brush to fit each individual's teeth.
– Gently insert the interdental brush under the orthodontic wire, between the spaces of the teeth.
– Place the brush close to or against the tooth surface between two adjacent teeth.
– Gently move the brush up and down 4-5 times for each interdental space.
– Start cleaning from the backmost upper tooth, either from the left or right side, depending on personal preference. Once the upper teeth are cleaned, proceed to clean the lower teeth in the same manner.
– Be careful not to apply too much pressure when cleaning your teeth, as excessive force can damage the gums and teeth. Improper technique may even lead to gum recession.
– Be sure to rinse the bristles thoroughly after each use to keep the brush clean.
– Replace the brush when the bristles begin to fall out, lose their shape, or become splayed.
– After cleaning, place the brush upright with the handle facing down and allow the bristles to air dry completely to prevent moisture buildup.
– If there are gaps between certain teeth, you can use an interdental brush to clean the spaces. Choose the appropriate brush size to fit those gaps. However, if the gap between the teeth is very small, it is not recommended to use an interdental brush. Instead, use dental floss or superfloss to clean the area to avoid applying excessive force from the brush, which could lead to gum recession or damage to the gums and teeth in that area.
