Love your electric toothbrush? Hate that yucky mouthwash? Can't live without that terrific threader floss? Got a fave canker sore remedy? Here's where you can post your opinions and reviews of specific products relating to dental hygiene and your braces. Tell others what works....and what doesn't!
I am having my braces fitted in 4 weeks (Damon's on upper and lower), I currently use a manual toothbrush but want to start getting teeth all nice and ready for 27th February. Am I best to keep on with my manual or would an electric be better, i so any recommendations (I am from the UK).
Also is mouthwash best to use and what type of toothpaste. . . sorry for all the questions but I am new to all this !
This is akin to asking, "what's a better pet - a dog or a cat?" There's no right answer for this, but there are a lot of opinions.
For the record, I have a Sonicare 7300 which I love! I also use a manual, ortho-cut Oral-B toothbrush. Sonicare in the morning and after dinner, manual at lunch and bedtime. Strangely enough, I have been getting the ortho-cut brushes from my regular dentist, not from my ortho. I use Oral-B proxy brushes (which I also get from my regular dentist) and Oral-B Satin floss. I don't use any mouthwashes or rinses on a regular basis.
Here are some tips:
- If you decide to get an electric toothbrush, particularly something like the Sonicare, check out Ebay. The prices are much better.
- No matter what you decide with respect to toothbrushes, remember to use a proxy brush and floss. There's no substitute for these. A toothbrush just can't get into all of the small spaces around your brackets like a proxy brush can. And, flossing is a good habit. It might be difficult to floss for a while (just the mechanics of the process with wires), but stick with it.
ETA: I use Colgate Total toothpaste. It has triclosan, with is supposed to help prevent cavities. I don't use a whitening paste, but many people on the board do.
well i love the colgate florigard (sp) its available everywhere and tastes really nice and apparently fights really well against cavities (always a plus)
i also love my sonicare toothbrush. vibrates all your teeth which can be feel weird but nice after a adjustment. Deff worth the money. I also swear it makes my metal shine (but i think thats all in my head haha)
I was disappointed with the Sonicare, I found my teeth were getting very stained.
In the end I sold it and went to back to my trusty old Oral B spinbrush. I find it does a good job and new heads are much cheaper. Proxy (interdental) brushes are invaluable too, for getting round the brackets and into little spaces.
Thank you all so much. . . I have always just been a twice a day brusher, no floss, no interdentals (teepee's), so this is all very new to me BUT I am spending a small fortune on getting a great smile, so I just want to make sure I do it all properly.
From general opinions I think I am going to treat myself to a Sonicare, I use interdentals at the moment, so will change toothpaste and get some mouthwash. . . I am really not good with the Floss, is this really required?
Thanks againm your opinions have been invaluable !