Which oral health product should be recommended to a patient who has had a fixed orthodontic appliance fitted to assist with cleaning beneath the archwire?

For a patient with a fixed orthodontic appliance, the most effective recommendation for cleaning beneath the archwire is an interdental brush. This tool is specifically designed to reach areas that traditional toothbrushes may struggle with, such as the spaces around the brackets and the archwire of braces. Using an interdental brush allows for more thorough cleaning of plaque and food debris, which is vital for maintaining oral health during orthodontic treatment.

While mouthwash can help with overall oral hygiene by reducing bacteria and freshening breath, it does not provide the mechanical cleaning action needed to effectively remove debris from around the orthodontic appliances. A toothbrush is essential for general cleaning, but it might not access all the tight spaces adequately. Floss is typically difficult to use with fixed appliances, as it can't easily pass under the archwire without special techniques or tools. Thus, the interdental brush remains the best option for enhancing cleaning efforts around orthodontic hardware.