Hygiene issues with braces

funkey_monkey

Hi,

I've had my metal braces in now for a period of 2 months and I've noticed that there is now a build up of debris in the area between the wire and the gumline - the bit that I can't reach with floss.

The gaps are too tight for a TePe so I am considering getting one of either an airflosser or a waterpik type device.

Can anyone on here inform me which is supposed to be the better system? I'd be particularly keen to hear from the professionals as to what they see as the best.

From the quick google search I've done there seems to be varied results.


Thanks.

pillphil

Use super floss, it's just floss with a hard bit on the end for passing through braces and bridges and the like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di2qXuxZwHI

Hmm,there should be a video there, it's not coming up on my computer though, here's the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di2qXuxZwHI

kc90

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Hi,

I've had my metal braces in now for a period of 2 months and I've noticed that there is now a build up of debris in the area between the wire and the gumline - the bit that I can't reach with floss.

The gaps are too tight for a TePe so I am considering getting one of either an airflosser or a waterpik type device.

Can anyone on here inform me which is supposed to be the better system? I'd be particularly keen to hear from the professionals as to what they see as the best.

From the quick google search I've done there seems to be varied results.


Thanks.

Do you thread the floss under/over the wire so it's closest to the gum? It's really awkward but you really need to, to get at these areas.
When I got mine on, I used the small disposal interdental brushes also but I find there not as good and need a lot of replacing.
Oral B have floss with waxed ends, it should make it a bit easier. If you ask your orthodontist, I'm sure he'll be able to show you some and how best to use it.

ballsymchugh

get a cheap ass toothbrush, none of the fancy ones that have polishing bits in the middle.
divide it in 3 going lengthways, then cut the bristles in the middle channel back about 3 or 4 mm.
then you should have yourself a toothbrush that you can brush over the braces but the bristles that you haven't cut back will reach the surface of the tooth and gumline.

kinda like this.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

ballsymchugh wrote: »

get a cheap ass toothbrush, none of the fancy ones that have polishing bits in the middle.
divide it in 3 going lengthways, then cut the bristles in the middle channel back about 3 or 4 mm.
then you should have yourself a toothbrush that you can brush over the braces but the bristles that you haven't cut back will reach the surface of the tooth and gumline.

kinda like this.

Excellent idea there.

funkey_monkey

I've got three of those already - Colgate Othrodontic toothbrush is shaped like that.

http://www.colgateprofessional.co.in/products/Colgate-Orthodontic-Toothbrush/details

zenbuffy

I used a waterpik while I had my braces, and I loved it. I felt like it blasted everything that got stuck, and I ended up without any decay or marks on my teeth post-braces, so I guess it worked.

It definitely takes getting used to though, and it's a bit of a shock the first few times!

funkey_monkey

I'll speak to the Ortho at my next appt to see what I should do. I did try the superfloss last night, but could not get it threaded through. I think my gums are getting inflamed as it started to bleed when I tried the superfloss - which ain't a good sign.

I think I'd be more inclined to perserve with the airflosser than the waterpik as it seems like an easier an cleaner implement to use.

zenbuffy - do you still use your waterpik now that your braces have been removed?

zenbuffy

Yup. I have a permanent retainer bonded to the back of my lower arch, so I find the waterpik helps me to clean around that area.