It is so very important to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment in order to minimize and prevent soreness, prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and promote the progress of your treatment.
After your braces are placed, the orthodontic assistant will thoroughly describe and demonstrate how to brush and floss with braces. When brushing, always use a soft toothbrush. Dr. Adams realizes that flossing with braces is timely and frustrating. If you can at least do a very thorough job once a week, that will significantly promote healthy gum tissues.
Dr. Adams also promotes the use of a water pick. It does not take the place of flossing but does act as an additional oral hygiene measure that will help maintain healthy teeth and gum tissues.
Please review the instructions below and click on the videos for proper brushing and flossing technigues. If you should ever need additional instructions, please do not hesitate to ask your orthodontic assistant or Dr. Adams.
Brushing with Braces
If possible, brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. At least brush your teeth thoroughly before bedtime and first thing in the morning. As an alternative, you can use an electric toothbrush, but be careful to use a light touch when using it. Brush the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth using small, gentle, circular motions while positioning the head of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Work the bristles under the archwire to remove plaque between teeth and around the braces. Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth as well using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances. See the video for a demonstration.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing thoroughly for 15 to 20 minutes at lease once a week will help keep your teeth and gumes clean and healthy, which will also help keep your treatment time on track and even promote completing treatment early. To floss with braces, see the technique used in the video. If your gum tissue is swollen or you have difficutly threading the floss under the wire between brackets, you may use a floss threader as descirbed in the video. When flossing, slide the floss under the wire between each set of teeth. Then guide it under the gum tissue as you slide the floss outward to express any plaque and food. Then do the other side as well. Repeat this process until you’ve flossed all of your teeth. If you find that your floss is not removing all of the food particles between your teeth and around your braces, we recommend using a water pick after flossing.
Extra Tips for a Healthy Smile with Braces
- Use fluoride toothpaste: This helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Avoid sticky and high sugar foods: These can increase plaque buildup and make cleaning harder.
- Rinse with mouthwash: An alcohol-free fluoride rinse can help wash away bacteria and strengthen enamel.
- Keep up with regular dental cleanings: In addition to your orthodontic visits, continue seeing your dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings.