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. Peroxyl helps to prevent infection and decrease irritation that may develop 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: when you wake up, after meals (or after school) and before bed. Just as 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.
Topical Fluoride
GelKam is a Stannous Fluoride Gel that helps prevent tooth decay while you are wearing braces. Fluoride makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay, which occurs because of acid and bacteria. You should apply this gel once a day or as directed by Dr. Portalupi. After brushing, apply this gel to your teeth and brush thoroughly. Spit the gel out after a minute. Try not to swallow it. Children should use this gel only under adult supervision. This prevents repeated swallowing. Do not eat, drink or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes after using.
Cleaning Your Removable Appliance
Clean your removable appliance every day as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule. Because food particles and/or plaque can accumulate on your appliance just as they do on your teeth, soak the appliance daily. Dissolve Efferdent (or any other denture-cleanser) in a glass of room temperature water and soak your appliance once every day. Your appliance will taste better, and you will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation. Be careful about brushing your retainer with toothpaste, as some types of retainers can break down with the use of toothpaste. Ask one of our Team members if yours is one of those types of retainers.