Sorry if I sounded a bit strong in the blog post, but this is a serious issue, as the damage these bristles can do your gums is irreversible. I was treated for gum disease prior to getting braces and it's not nice ... plus it's very expensive ... and it's preventable with good oral hygiene habits. I didn't floss, in fact I knew very little about what floss was or why it was used ... and that didn't help my gums either. So great you're flossing more often now, as that's really important also. An old toothbrush is also full of bacteria ... the not so nice ones, so please keep that in mind. Why don't you try to find a toothbrush the same make etc as you have now and 'break' yourself in. Like brush once with the new one, and twice with the old one, and slowly allow the new one to get more control. ... sorry ... but that sounds like the talk I give to our young patients when they don't do well with their oral hygiene, and you're not like that ... but I hope you understand what I mean. Habits are hard to change, but many ... like getting braces, are good for us and you know what they say about a change ...
Hey HeadJam just a note about your toothbrush, please don't use a brush that has bristles out of alignment. You might think it's working ok, but it's not, cause it physically can't. You have to be damaging both your gums and the enamel on your teeth. Also the ends of the bristles change shape/texture ... and as a person who's into science, you must know what that means as far as cleaning goes. Also the age of a toothbrush ... think what's lurking in there. Honestly you don't need to keep crossing that with the inside of your mouth. A good usage time for a toothbrush without braces is about three months max, but with braces it can be from a couple of weeks, to usually a max of two months. Take care, Sunny
There's a huge ortho community using blogger and I found a few by doing a search and then the rest from those sites. The majority are supporting each other through jaw surgeries, but there are a number who're not. At least you can blog on here, and there seems to be a regular community here now ... small, but much better than earlier in the year. Take care, Sunny
Great to have you stopover at my blog HeadJam! I'm finding blogging is a great way to get some emotional stuff out of my head. Are you blogging also? Take care, Sunny
Hi HeadJam Sorry that my comments may seem like I'm arguing ... coz that's not how I mean it to be. Zoso has caused me grief on another site, and has followed me here ... why ... wish I knew. After reading your comment, I will try and not allow her to bait me. I sometimes wish I wasn't so passionate about my job and the need for accuracy, as that's what seems to get her going. Your comments are perfect ... 'All that can be done is try to inform the patient as best you can and let them pick and choose. After all, isn't it the archwire that does the work anyways?' ... I believe that as long as you choose an orthodontist you trust, you will be happy! Good luck with your treatment and keep up your wonderful attitude! Sunny
