Braces and teeth cleaning??

[goofy4tink]

Okay, dd, now 12, has had some form of braces on her teeth since she was about 6. She is not great about getting them really clean though. I know it's hard....I remember having them myself. I have to clean her teeth several times a week because she can't see that closely with her bad eyes (keep the glasses on and she can't see them that well. take them off, just as bad!) Someone suggested one of those WaterPik systems. Have any of you tried them with kids that had braces? I would ask the orthodotist but their office is closed until Tuesday, and figured that maybe I could get her started. So....any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[ziggystardust]

When I go to the dentist with or without braces they use a water pik on my teeth. I bought one from target for my DBF and he loves it, but he is fanatic about cleaning his teeth. He says it takes a while b/c your supposed to stay on each tooth for a certain time period.

I don't think it will hurt.

 

[tinkerbellmom31]

When I had braces many many years ago my parents bought a waterpik. It worked well and did not hurt. I think it would be a good idea.

 

[SueM in MN]

When I had braces many many years ago my parents bought a waterpik. It worked well and did not hurt. I think it would be a good idea.

when my DD had braces, the orthodontist office recommended getting a waterpik. It worked well and she had not problems with it.

 

[DisneyTeacher]

I loved my WaterPik when I had braces, I couldn't have gotten through w/o it.

 

[minkydog]

We used a Waterpik and also one of those electric flossers. The waterpik was more acceptable to the kids. I also had them go for professional cleanings every three months,instead of the usual 6 month interval, just to keep them really cleaned well.

 

[hucifer]

I loved my WaterPik when I had braces, I couldn't have gotten through w/o it.

ITA. Back in my braces days, nothing cleaned my teeth better.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

agree with the waterpik!

 

[rascalmom]

Here is dh's speil on the Waterpic vs. an electronic toothbrush:

Have you ever tried to clean your car by just spraying it with a garden hose? Even with a high pressure attachment, you are not going to get all of the dirt off. A residue or film is left on the car, along with stubborn stains like bugs, etc.

Have you cleaned your car with a combination of a garden hose & a brush or rag? Was your car cleaner than it would be with just the hose? A Waterpic isn't really going to get that film off your teeth - which builds up into plaque. The plaque turns to tartar & that has to be removed professionally.

Some thing with the Waterpic - it is a useful tool, but not used alone. It is really best for stimulating the gums. Get a good quality electronic toothbrush. Oral-B & Sonicare can be purchased over-the-counter. They run about $50, but they will last for MANY years. The Crest Spin Brush type devices are okay - about $8, but they aren't as good. They won't last as long & they rotate much more slowly. If you just want to see if your kid will use an electronic brush, that would be a good starting point. DH's office recommends the Rotadent because of the finer bristle & specialized brushes, but you have purchase those from a dental office.

If your child is having trouble with plaque, try switching them to Oxyfresh or Closis toothpaste & mouth rinse. They are very mild tasting & have an ingredient that help prevent the yucky stuff from accumulating.

 

[bigbabyblues]

When I got my braces on, the ortho gave me an electric toothbrush (Oral B something) and suggested a waterpik. My hygenist suggested using Listerine in the waterpik, watered down and that helps alot (I had gingivitis). Those little Christmas-tree looking brushes for getting out food that is stuck...can't remember what they're called but I went through a ton of them.

 

[Disney Doll]

Teeth cleaniing may have to be a 2part process for your DD. First the Waterpick, to loosen/soften stuff up and flush away as much as possible. Then the electric toothbrush for a good scrubbing.

Prepare for some cavities after the braces are removed, no matter how well she does cleaning her teeth.

 

[Zandy595]

A waterpik may not get plaque off your teeth, but it is really great at getting food particals out from between your teeth, around the brackets and behind the wires. I used to have an awful time with food getting stuck in my braces. I used the waterpik after meals, when I could. I didn't have any cravities during or after braces.

BTW, they make a cordless one now.

 

[minkydog]

Teeth cleaniing may have to be a 2part process for your DD. First the Waterpick, to loosen/soften stuff up and flush away as much as possible. Then the electric toothbrush for a good scrubbing.

Prepare for some cavities after the braces are removed, no matter how well she does cleaning her teeth.

Yep, we tried to tell DS to brush his teeth. We fussed and punished and ultimately decided to give up and let him bear the consequences. When he finally had the braces removed he had 14 cavities in his front teeth. Not only did it take several appointments to fix them,along with all the pain and difficulty, he will likely need more restorative work in the future as these fillings age & drop out.

When his little sister got her braces the first thing he did was tell her to brush her teeth

 

[TN Dreamer]

Hello, The water pik works fine but it should be used with brushing.( I have a water pik but I don't use it) The water pik alone is not enough. I work in a dental office and currently have braces on. I find the Sonicare to be one of the best electronic toothbrushes on the market. Every evening (which by the way is the MOST important time to brush ) I have a long ritual of brushing with sonicare, using floss threaders and following with a good topical fluoride gel. It is very time consuming, and children will just not spend that much time on their teeth!! Also, please keep up with their regular check up it is especially important while brace are on.

 

[Marseeya]

Yep, we tried to tell DS to brush his teeth. We fussed and punished and ultimately decided to give up and let him bear the consequences. When he finally had the braces removed he had 14 cavities in his front teeth. Not only did it take several appointments to fix them,along with all the pain and difficulty, he will likely need more restorative work in the future as these fillings age & drop out.

When his little sister got her braces the first thing he did was tell her to brush her teeth

Poor kid!

I didn't care for my teeth all that well when I had braces -- I mean, I brushed every day, but not carefully and didn't often floss. I had to get my teeth scraped (or whatever it's called) where they go up under the gums to do it. OWIE!

 

[AMcaptured]

Definitely get an electric toothbrush. A waterpik is okay but as others have mentioned, its similar to cleaning your car with a garden hose, completely ineffective. You can spent a lot on one or you can get the crest and colgate brands that run on batteries. Either is better than a manual toothbrush with ortho. Remember however to effectively clean your teeth you need to spend about 2 minutes in there twice a day. An electric toothbrush only used for 30 seconds isn't going to do the trick.

Good Luck