Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Remove Dental Glue Yourself

After the orthodontist removes your braces, you may be left with the residue of the dental glue that held them in place. The orthodontist and dentist may be able to help you get rid of most of it, but some may remain on your teeth. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, there are techniques you can put into practice to help dissolve and remove dental glue yourself.








Instructions


1. Mix a paste from 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of peroxide. Peroxide causes baking soda to bubble, so dribble the peroxide slowly into the baking soda to avoid a foamy mess.


2. Dab the tip of an electric toothbrush into the baking soda and peroxide mixture. On medium to high speed, move the mixture over your teeth for about two minutes. Do not swallow during this time. If you do happen to swallow any of the mixture, contact the Poison Control center for exact instructions on treatment.


3. Use a dental pick to gently scrape at the dental glue. Brushing with peroxide and baking soda may soften it enough that you can scrape it off, but probably not all in the first sitting. Use caution when scraping at tooth enamel with a dental pick, as accidental removal of the enamel could lead to softening of the teeth and tooth decay.


4. Floss with waxed dental string to help break up cement that crosses over the space between your teeth.


5. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after each brushing, picking and flossing session to make sure you get rid of loose dental glue and residue in your mouth.

Tags: baking soda, dental glue, your teeth, dental pick, into baking, into baking soda, your mouth