Dental Questions: How can I clean around braces?

Braces can make cleaning any mouth very difficult. The wires, bulky brackets and food trapping ledges all contribute to problems with home care. Fortunately, there are many great products and techniques for keeping your orthodontic appliances clean. Take a look!

A typical example of floss threaders.

One of the most obvious difficulties in cleaning around braces is the inability to floss between teeth. The orthodontic wire prevents regular dental floss from reaching the critical areas at/beneath the gum line. A typical solution to this problem is using a floss threader or dental floss with a built in threader tip. These products allow you to push the floss underneath the wire and reach all areas of the teeth. Newer devices like GumChucks ORTHOgami achieve the same outcome, but with a different form factor. For younger patients, dental picks and floss brushes should be used carefully, as they have the potential to damage the gum tissue and cause bleeding. They are, however, useful for cleaning sticky food out from between the wire and tooth. 

GumChucks ORTHOgami

Brushing around the wires and brackets relies more on careful technique than a special product. You will probably need to make a conscious effort to get the toothbrush positioned underneath the wire and into the various angels of the brackets. Some companies sell special orthodontic brushes with smaller heads for manuvering around the appliances. Still, a standard toothbrush and good technique should be sufficient for most patients. Keeping the gums and tooth surfaces around the brackets healthy is a priority for any patient in braces. You don't want to finish your orthodontic treatment only to have cavities in your beautiful smile!

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we know that braces can turn dental hygiene into even more of a chore. We are here to make the process as easy as possible. If you would like to know more about braces, orthodontics, toothbrushes or dental cleanings, please give our office a call!

Replace That Toothbrush!

Is your brush looking a little frayed? Its probably time to grab a new one! The ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes (or electric brush heads) every three to four months. Older brushes lose their ability to reach the fine areas of your mouth and harbor potentially harmful bacteria. If your brushes are wearing out sooner than the three month mark, it could be a sign of using too much pressure while brushing. Children's brushes will likely need more frequent replacement and should be monitored closely. 

We always recommend using a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles and a small head. Brushes with stiff bristles can actually do more damage than good and large heads make it difficult to navigate the narrow spaces in the back of the mouth. Also make sure you're pairing your new toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste. Finally, if you plan on switching to a electric brush, make sure it has a pressure sensor and built in timer, along with readily available replacement heads. If you have any further questions about toothbrushes, oral hygiene or taking care of your teeth, please feel free to contact our office!

Dental Questions: Are water flossers a good substitute for dental floss?

Water flossers (commonly known as “Waterpiks,” though that is a name brand) are typically marketed as being a convenient replacement for traditional dental floss. However, they can’t remove plaque and bacteria as thoroughly or completely as threaded floss. Overall, no product rivals the benefits of getting a physical object between the teeth and mechanically removing buildup. Still, a water flosser can be a great addition to your existing home care regimen. They are particularly good at removing packed-in food that your toothbrush can’t dislodge. Patients with gum disease will typically see the most benefit from a water flosser. The lowered height of gingival tissue allows the water to more effectively penetrate the periodontal space and remove debris.

Floss and Flossing Alternatives

As you probably know, flossing is one of the best ways to preserve gum health, prevent decay and ward off tartar and plaque between the teeth. Even though this information nearly universal, only about 50% of Americans floss daily. Where does the discrepancy originate? For many, flossing either takes up too much time or doesn’t fit in with their schedules. Others simply don’t like using dental floss. With this in mind, we wanted to take a moment to introduce different types of floss, flossers and flossing alternatives. We are sure you can find a product that fits in with your dental care needs!

This Oral-B floss is both waxed and has a threader built in. 

Although there are many different brands of traditional dental floss on the market, they all generally produce the same results. The real difference comes from preferences in packaging, flavoring and texture. For patients who have found floss too “sharp” or “cutting” to use, we suggest looking for a waxed variety. Furthermore, those with orthodontic appliances, bridges or permanent retainers might benefit from floss with an attached threader tip. While these varieties may be more expensive than using a reusable threader, they offer added convenience and ease of use.

GUM Soft Picks are great alternatives to traditional floss.

Beyond traditional floss, there are a number of great alternatives designed to clean between your teeth. Many patients enjoy single-use flossers with handles, as they are portable, disposable and easy to use on-the-go. These devices are also great for kids who don’t yet have the motor skills to use regular floss. Others may prefer flossing picks, such as GUM Soft-Picks. These tree-shaped products expand below the gumline to remove plaque similarly to regular dental floss. Because of their shape, they great for cleaning around orthodontic appliances as well.

A Typical Water Flosser

Water flossers such as the Waterpik systems can also be utilized in cleaning between the teeth. Research suggests they are not as thorough or effective as other flossing methods, but they still represent an improvement over doing nothing. There are certain scenarios where water flossers can be a benefit to patients with periodontal disease, but this needs to be evaluated on an individual level. As with any oral hygiene product, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using water flossers. Regularly changing tips and cleaning water reservoirs prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and biofilms.

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we know that our patients are presented with a number of choices in dental home care. We want to give you the information to make the best choices for your personal needs. If you would like to know more about flossing, toothbrushes, toothpaste or any other dental products, please give our office a call!