Your dentist may recommend wearing a lip bumper for a number of reasons. However, one of the main reasons why a lip bumper may be recommended is because your teeth are too crowded. The pressure that your checks and mouth place on the appliance causes it to push against your molars. The constant pressure will eventually push your molars to the side and make room for additional teeth. Since the appliance covers part of your mouth and teeth, it can be difficult to clean your mouth as you normally would. However, it is important to improve your dental care during this time since the lip bumper can attract bacteria. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use to keep your mouth bacteria free while wearing a lip bumper.

Brush Immediately After Eating

In order to see improvements in your teeth, you will need to wear your lip bumper at all times of the day. This includes wearing it during meal times. As a result, leftover food and debris can often get stuck in your appliance if they are not removed immediately. Therefore, you should follow your meals with a toothbrush. When you brush your teeth, you should also clean the device. You can gently run your toothbrush along the wires that connect the device to your teeth. In addition, make sure to clean the tubes that are located near your gums.

Use a Thyme Antibacterial Rinse Twice a Day

A good antibacterial rinse will help to catch hidden debris and bacteria that were not removed with your toothbrush. While wearing a dental appliance, it is easy to neglect and overlook hidden areas in your mouth. Therefore, you can use a thyme rinse in order to kill off unwanted bacteria. Thyme contains antibacterial properties that are ideal for maintaining a solid dental care routine. A homemade rinse can be created by placing a scoop of dried thyme into a small pot of water along with three lemon slices. Allow the pot to boil, then remove it from the stove and wait for it to cool. Once cool, work the rinse around your appliance and focus on your back molars. Repeat this process again in order to ensure all bacteria has been removed. Use the thyme rinse first thing in the morning and before going to bed.

A lip bumper can be extremely effective in putting your teeth back in alignment. However, it is important to keep your mouth bacteria free while wearing this device. Therefore, use these tips to do just that. For more information, contact an orthodontist, like one at Cazes Family Dentistry LLC.