I just got my first set of aligners and I'm trying to come up with ways to make this whole process fit into my lifestyle w/o driving me nuts.
Anyone try the Oral B Brush Ups as an alternative to brushing when out and about? I was thinking specifically about camping, long car trips, etc. I read about the gum option, but one of my problems is a poor jaw alignment and gum seems to agravate my jaw joint.
Anyway, if anyone has any thoughts on the Brush Ups, I'd love to hear from you!
Oral B Brush Ups
Moderator: bbsadmin
Maybe - if you can find them. I read that they were discontinued by the company in 2006.
Here is the link to the article I read:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnis ... skas_x.htm
Here is the link to the article I read:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnis ... skas_x.htm
Why not just take a travel toothbrush and travel toothpaste?
I'll have that too, but camping and backcamping, water is heavy and I need it to drink (and cook), so I try to cut corners where I can. I can always get a better filter and boil more for brushing, it's just one summer!
On car trips, I don't like to stop more than necessary. So, I'll have a brush and use it at all stops, I just don't want to stop just b/c I had some coffee or Gatorade. I'm probably overanalyzing convenience.... I'm sure a good swish and swallow will be enough until the next pit stop.
I'll have that too, but camping and backcamping, water is heavy and I need it to drink (and cook), so I try to cut corners where I can. I can always get a better filter and boil more for brushing, it's just one summer!
On car trips, I don't like to stop more than necessary. So, I'll have a brush and use it at all stops, I just don't want to stop just b/c I had some coffee or Gatorade. I'm probably overanalyzing convenience.... I'm sure a good swish and swallow will be enough until the next pit stop.
Hi Inkogal,
Watchout for things like coffee and gatorade .. your trays will be fine, but not your teeth in the end!! I frequently drink coffee with my trays in (once a day), and at the beginning, I would not think it necessary to at least rinse out my mouth afterwards. But I got rapidly stained teeth in those first few weeks, so now I am much more careful. The saliva cannot get to your teeth as easily with the trays on, so you really have to bear that in mind for the sake of your dental health.
Also, the trays really do need to be brushed at least 3 times a day to avoid getting filmy build-up .. so you can get away with some swishing here and there (you could even swallow for the sake of water economy!!!), but don't take shortcuts 'cos it can get somewhat yucky.
However, I think you won't find it as onerous as it seems to you at the beginning. The only major life change is that there will always be a toothbrush near at hand now, and this may even become a habit for life, as one can get quite addicted to that "fresh" mouth feeling!!!!!
Watchout for things like coffee and gatorade .. your trays will be fine, but not your teeth in the end!! I frequently drink coffee with my trays in (once a day), and at the beginning, I would not think it necessary to at least rinse out my mouth afterwards. But I got rapidly stained teeth in those first few weeks, so now I am much more careful. The saliva cannot get to your teeth as easily with the trays on, so you really have to bear that in mind for the sake of your dental health.
Also, the trays really do need to be brushed at least 3 times a day to avoid getting filmy build-up .. so you can get away with some swishing here and there (you could even swallow for the sake of water economy!!!), but don't take shortcuts 'cos it can get somewhat yucky.
However, I think you won't find it as onerous as it seems to you at the beginning. The only major life change is that there will always be a toothbrush near at hand now, and this may even become a habit for life, as one can get quite addicted to that "fresh" mouth feeling!!!!!
The Fresh & Go toothbrush is really convenient for this. You get 30 brushings in one toothbrush (toothpaste built into the handle). Of course for camping you would still need a water source for rinsing. My family and I have been using the Fresh & Go for a few years -- my kids take them to camp, etc. It works really well and the toothpaste has a pleasant taste. The bristles are a bit harder than a regular soft toothbrush.
I carry them on my retail website, if you're interested:
http://www.dentakit.com/frtoforadand.html
I carry them on my retail website, if you're interested:
http://www.dentakit.com/frtoforadand.html
I'm the owner/admin of this site. Had ceramic uppers, metal lowers ~3 years in my early 40's. Now in Hawley retainers at night!
I got some of the Brush Ups and while they are certainly no sub for a good brushing, I do like them for when it's not easy to brush right away.
This is usually just a convenience thing - like when I go out at night I rarely take a purse, so I slip one of these in my pocket with my ID to use after having a drink, them brush when I get home.
Unlike others, I did find that they freshened my mouth a bit and made the wait to brush seem a little better.
Better than nothing I guess!
This is usually just a convenience thing - like when I go out at night I rarely take a purse, so I slip one of these in my pocket with my ID to use after having a drink, them brush when I get home.
Unlike others, I did find that they freshened my mouth a bit and made the wait to brush seem a little better.
Better than nothing I guess!