Help I think I need a new tooth brush.

[mgjg1206]

I have been brushing my teeth/braces several times a day at least 3 times usually more. I have an oral b professional series toothbrush with ortho head and have used the cheap non-ortho toothbrush my orthodontist gave me. With all the brushing, waterpiking, flossing and use of mouthwash; it appears I still have plaque - even brush for at least 2 minutes!- What should I do? Do you think I need a new tooth brush, I really want to maintain healthy teeth since I am working towards that beautiful smile. Any suggestions appreciated.

[OldBikerBag]

They probably roughed up the surface of your teeth so the brackets will bond to your enamel, which causes a dull appearance. Is this what you're seeing, rather than plaque, maybe?

I suggest asking your ortho.

[Ellebraced]

Oh I know what you mean, my teeth are the same, they can't get clean. I miss my oral b whitening head it was amazing and made my teeth soooo white. I have found that the only thing that really works in combination with everything you are doing is also after brushing with the regular toothbrush is to use a tiny toothbrush, not sure what its called (maybe interbrush, similar to the tiny oral b ortho head) its brushes are no bigger than the end of a pencil eraser. I ask for them from my ortho. It has a long handle just not as many brushes. It seems to really get behind the brackets with its hard bristles.

Also I have those oral b ortho heads and I am not sure how well the "CIRCLE" one really works I seem to be using a regular brush on the oral b instead of my ortho heads.

Good luck

[mgjg1206]

Thanks for the responses, I have wondered if what I am seeing is caused by whateverr the ortho used for bonding. I may also try switching my oral b toothbrush head back to the original and see if that makes a difference. It really bothers me that I can't feel my teeth with my tongue to really get a better idea what is on my teeth. Fortunately, I seem to be getting used to these things in my mouth, just over a week with them.

[Sita]

There are a couple of spots on my teeth that I thought were decalcification but just turned out to be glue so it is certainly possible what you are seeing is not because of your doing anything wrong. Are you using interdental brushes? (christmas tree brushes or proxy/proxabrushes). They're essential to cleaning under the wires and inbetween brackets so if you're not already using them then get some. If it definitely is plaque there then maybe you should see about having a cleaning done at the dentist. Good luck!

[MeMyself]

I'm confused; you say you have Oral B professional series with an orthodontic head, but you use the manual toothbrush your orthodontist gave you? Is this right? If so, is there a reason you don't use your electric brush?

[Mylene]

I'm not a dentist, but I have found personally that brushing with baking soda (prior to my regular routine) seems to be working to keep my teeth clean... and then later rinsing with hydrogen peroxide. Although I have only had braces for about 6 weeks so we'll see how that goes!