Orthodontic patients should be cleaning their teeth multiple times a day. Sometimes you are not at home and would like to brush, so try to be prepared. Keep cleaning items in your backpack, purse, school locker or briefcase.
Here are some “Must-Haves” for cleaning teeth on the go:
Water
After eating, or after drinking a sugary and/or acidic beverage, if you don’t have a toothbrush, give your mouth a thorough rinse with plain water. Swish it around to get rid of food particles or traces of beverages. A water rinse is not as good as brushing, but it’s much better than allowing food to remain on, and in between, teeth.
Toothbrush
Have a few travel-sized toothbrushes to keep in purses, backpacks, etc. Even without toothpaste, brushing removes food and plaque and will help you keep your teeth healthy.
Interproximal brush (Proxy brush)
This little “toothbrush” is easy to carry along. Use it to get at food that’s stuck around brackets and wires.
Floss and Floss Threaders
If you have braces, be sure you have a floss threader with your floss. Some brands come in single-use packets, which take up less space. Patients with aligners may be able to use a flosser.
Pocket Mirror
A pocket mirror can be handy when you brush. A quick mirror check will reveal whether anything unwanted is still there.
Toothpaste
Travel-sized toothpastes are small and convenient.
Wax
Orthodontic wax is nice if a bracket or wire rubs a sore spot, wax quickly puts a stop to the irritation.
