Basic Hygiene

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#1 Post by **sonicare** » Sat May 10, 2008 7:17 pm

Hi, folks. I've perused most of the recent postings and appreciate all the questions and responses, especially. This past Wednesday, I got ibraces on my uppers and ceramics on my lowers. The week prior, I had extracted a front bottom tooth (I look like a crack head). I'm sure you well know the initial experience so I'll save you the details - suffice it to say that my experience is nothing new. I am, however, having quite some difficulty keeping my mouth feeling as clean as before. This whole floss business is really cutting into my day; I mean, it is a real workout trying to get a simple piece of floss through my braces, even using a threader, and utlimately between my teeth. Is this how it is going to be man? Does this too improve? And, what techniques have some of you used (e.g., increase frequency of mouth wash, water jet, etc.). This is what I get for trying to be all cute. I probably should have left the choppers alone.

Btw: I'll share this experience with you. So I'm a big Applebee's fan, particularly because of their chicken fajita roll-up .. mmm. Anyway, I go today, fresh in my braces mind you, teeth sore as heck (though I'm trying to get normal), I order my fave, take a bite (like a man), and eyes immediately well up. I couldn't even eat my fries; had to settle for mash potatoes. I just want to bite like the old days.

#2 Post by **catfish** » Sat May 10, 2008 8:30 pm

I don't have linguals, but I did have trouble getting used to flossing with my Damon braces. After trying many things, I have settled on Super Floss. It's pre-cut dental floss with stiff ends. The only problem I have with it is that it tends to get caught in my brackets. But after you use it a few times, you'll find a technique that works. It doesn't take me all that long to floss now.

#3 Post by **rolo** » Sun May 11, 2008 7:30 am

I have lingual uppers and ceramic lowers too! It took me a couple of weeks to be eating everything I used to eat at a reasonable pace, but well and truly back to normal by week three. The first week my tolder ate faster than I could!

I love my water pik, and use it lots when I'm home, but it's too big to stick in my handbag, I find the interdental brushes the next best thing. In the UK they are made by TePe and there's another brand my ortho stocks called "space-invaders" Super floss is also good. I find drinking lots of water helps things to feel cleaner, it also seems to reduce irritation too.

#4 Post by **anagram** » Sun May 11, 2008 9:22 am

Hi Sonicare,

Since you've obviously already got the electric toothbrush, try to use it effectively. The advice I had was to brush above the brackets along the gumline (but don't press too hard, let the toothbrush do the work!) and then brush everything else! I know exactly what you mean about the time it takes to floss afterwards, but then I'm pretty clumsy with the floss and I don't like the super-floss (had trouble getting it out of the packet, so not a good start).

Like the previous poster, I can thoroughly recommend the TePe which seem to come in a bewildering variety of sizes. Also, try to use a good flouride mouthwash every day. Finally, as an important safety-net, visit the hygienist more regularly, say every 3 months. That way, you'll find out if you're doing OK. Good luck.

#5 Post by **Ruby Tuesday** » Tue May 13, 2008 1:14 am

Hi Soni,

Sorry to hear that you're having problems with keeping your mouth feeling clean. I am sure that things will get much better soon. I actually find that oral hygene is so much quicker now than when my crooked teeth were all jammed together. Hopefully that will happen soon for you too.

I use the Oral B floss with the stiff end - that is so easy for me. I also rinse before and after brushing and use the little brushes too. I have been given the two thumbs up for my cleaning routine, which is great to hear!

Best wishes and hope you work something out soon!

#6 Post by **sonicare** » Tue May 13, 2008 6:20 pm

Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate it.

#7 Post by **loopyloo** » Sat May 17, 2008 9:47 am

I have special toothbrush attachments for braces. I use the oral B triumph, and these attachments have been brilliant. Cleaning your teeth will take you three times as long as normal with linguals, but it's importnat that you are thorough, because if food gets caught in the metal you will end up with awful breath, so you have to really clean around each bracket. If you are like me you will want to clean them everytime you have eaten, because having food caught in them is a horrible feeling. I cant stand it. It's frustratingly time consuming in the mornings, particularly if you're late for work, but on the plus side, your teeth will be constantly clean.