Metal Mouth Message Board

So i have had my braces on since thursday and i love them!

the only thing that is killing me is the constant need to brush. i swear i'm in the bathroom all the time. (having automatic sensor sinks makes brushing during work that much more annoying!)

im also a very slow eater. so for lunch today i had chili- took me about an hr to eat the bowl and the whole time im thinking- please no one come to my desk to ask me a question. and im just imagining my brackets getting stained with every minute that ticks by.

am i just being paranoid!?

I feel like I am always in the bathroom as well, but after about the 2 week mark things felt different--either I was more used to the routine, or I am a bit better about the pieces out----but the other day we were eating lunch outside on the pier and there was no public restroom to brush in----so I swished water a bunch and was able to use my tongue to get the big pieces out, and it worked!!! and I brushed when I got home a few hours later and no big chunks came out!!

Not that I recommend that, but I am feeling less afraid to eat in public, and not being able to brush right when I am done!! It will get better

You'll get more used to it as time goes by. I don't really think of brushing as a chore anymore, it's just something I have to do and if you can't brush right away, you find ways to cope until you can. I'm a slow eater also, made worse by the fact that I have to stop every few bites and work food bits out of my braces. I can't stand the feeling of lots of food getting trapped in my powerchain. As for your braces getting stained, I guess it depends on what color rubber bands you have. I always have to change my (beige-colored) elastics right away whenever I eat tomato sauce because they turn bright red and it kind of grosses me out. To be honest, most people aren't going to notice little things about your braces that you do so I wouldn't worry too much about it

I gave up brushing after every meal or snack. I brush twice a day now (morning and night) and I use water to swish my mouth and interdental brushes to dislodge food after eating. My dentist and orthodontist are both extremely happy with my dental hygeine, so I'm not worried about it.

Pixel,
I responded to several posts with the suggestion of buying "Colgate Wisps". The are a single use, waterless, mini toothbrush on one end and a small pick on the other. They come four to a pack and are available in different flavors. I work construction and most of the time there is no water to be had, so these are perfect for me at work. I started carrying them in my car(s) instead of a toothbrush and toothpaste everywhere. Hope that helps a little!
JOHN

Those are great, I have stocked up with them at my desk at work...however, the cinnamon ones felt to me like i was eating an atomic fireball....

thanks so much for all of your responses!
ive gotten a couple new ideas. ill def have to check out the wisps for my purse while im out.
i also now keep water nearby for swishing!!

The wisps are great, however, I do worry about filling up the landfills, so try not to use them too often. I have started using a soft-pick by GUM, they come with a little travel case and a bunch come in the package. They are plastic with a tapered end with soft little spikes that are good for getting the left overs of my meals. I'm with Audra, I'm a twice a day brusher and use the GUM soft picks after I eat and that seems to be working for me. I also chew gum and I think that helps get stuff out.

so everyone keeps talking about chewing gum-
i thought you shouldn't chew gum with braces?

gum has always been off limits for me because of my jaw anyways but I was just curious.

The wisps are very good. You can also ask your orthodontist about special toothbrushes (proxy brush) that easily fit behind wires and make brushing easier. And at home, you might want to try a waterpick

Hi Pixelbrace,

I am constantly in the bathroom as well. The more you get used to having your braces and the brushing routine, it will get faster. Remember, it is extremely important to brush after you eat anything. My ortho showed me pictures of patients who did not do this. It freaked me out!

As time goes on, you will develop a routine that works best for you. I have a Dentakit. It makes it easier to brush when away from home. I highly reccommend getting one.

Congratulations on your journey!