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Oral Hygiene Instructions

At Backus Smiles, we’re committed to providing high quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Birmingham and Sylacauga and the surrounding areas. Dr. Backus and her team work hard to ensure that every patient receives the personalized orthodontic treatment they deserve in a friendly and welcoming environment. We believe that good oral hygiene is the key to a lifelong healthy smile, so read below to learn more about what you can do to maintain your beautiful smile.

Oral Hygiene, Backus Smiles

Properly Care For Your Teeth While In Braces

Interdental Toothbrush

A Proxabrush is an interdental (between the teeth) toothbrush that you may use to clean underneath and around your wires and braces. Use the Proxabrush gently to avoid damaging your wires. The Proxabrush will help you to clean your braces while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Antibacterial Mouthwash

Peroxyl, a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic mouth rinse, will reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks, while preventing infection and decreasing irritation from your braces. Rinse your mouth with two teaspoons of Peroxyl (half a capful) for one minute and then spit it out. You may use Peroxyl up to four times daily following your schedule for brushing: after meals (or after school) and before bed. Just like using peroxide for a scrape on your skin, Peroxyl helps the inside of your mouth heal. Peroxyl can be used for general irritation caused by your braces or for canker sores, cheek bites and other minor temporary injuries to the gums.

Harp Flosser

The most convenient way to efficiently and quickly floss between your teeth while wearing braces.

Topical Fluoride

Phos-Flur is a sodium fluoride rinse that helps prevent tooth decay while you are wearing braces by killing bacteria and replacing minerals in tooth enamel that have been exposed to harmful acids. The use of Phos-Flur does not replace daily brushing and flossing but should be done following your daily schedule at bedtime. Rinse with Phos-Flur for one minute and spit it out. You may not eat or drink for 30 minutes after you use Phos-Flur. It is important for the active ingredient to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes, so do not wash it away by eating or drinking.

Harp Flosser, Backus Smiles

Cleaning Your Removable Appliance

Brush your removable appliance every day as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule. Because food particles and plaque can accumulate on your appliance just as they do on your teeth, brush your appliance with toothpaste and your toothbrush. As needed, you can soak your appliance in Retainer-Brite or a 50:50 solution of vinegar and water at room temperate. Your appliance will taste better, and you’ll prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation.