Dental Brace Guide

Triclosan, long been known as an effective anti-bacterial agent found in soaps and other health products has been found to also be extremely effective against bacteria in the mouth. This proves to be good news for oral hygiene for dentists have long been trying to find ways of minimizing the effects of our resident bacteria in the mouth from causing tooth decay.

Many materials are being studied for their anti-bacterial properties and Triclosan copolymer, mixed with mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce the amount of bacteria that is blamed for gum disease and tooth decay that causes a plethora of other problems not limited to the mouth. This is in the continuing quest to find materials to help battle tooth decay a battle raging since documented history has noted.

Braces Do’s
• Brush after every meal. If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth (and removable appliance) with water.
• Floss every day. Your orthodontist can give you a floss threader if you’re having difficulties.
• Chew only sugarless gum.
• Call your orthodontist if anything is loose or broken.
Braces Don’ts
• Don’t miss your orthodontic appointments. Missed or delayed appointments mean you’ll have to wear your braces longer.
• Don’t eat hard, sticky or chewy foods, crunchy foods.
• Don’t chew on pens, pencils, ice, fingernails or anything that might break your braces.

• Don’t forget to clean behind your back teeth.
• Don’t give mouthwash or fluoride toothpaste to young children, as they can swallow it.
• Don’t clean your tongue so hard that it hurts.
• Don’t rely on mouthwash alone too keep your teeth and gums clean and your breath fresh. Practice complete oral hygiene.
• Don’t ignore your gums – you can lose your teeth as well as have bad breath.
• Don’t drink too much coffee.
• Don’t smoke.

• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning.

• Visit an orthodontist for an evaluation if you see any of the early warning signs of orthodontic problems.

• Have your child(ren) evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven. Many orthodontic problems can be more easily corrected before tooth and facial growth is complete.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss between your teeth at least once a day, after dinner and before bedtime. (Tip: Use toothpaste on your floss for extra fresh breath.)

• Rinse and gargle with the mouthwash, ideally right before bedtime.

• Eat a balanced diet, limit between-meal snacks and eliminate sugary foods.

• Clean your tongue when your brush your teeth. (Tip: Instead of using toothpaste to brush your tongue, dip your toothbrush in mouthwash.)

• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water to keep your mouth moist. (Tip: If your mouth is dry, try sucking in your cheeks as if eating something sour to increase flow from the salivary glands.)