Brushing With Braces

Brushing

While the end result of orthodontic care is a more beautiful smile, you will notice that it is much harder to keep teeth clean while wearing braces. Because food compacts in the brackets and between the teeth, it is important to brush and floss. If plaque remains on the teeth for any length of time, it will leave a permanent white scar on the surface. So brushing after meals should become a regular part of your daily routine.

Use a soft toothbrush with firm pressure and brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth. Brush in small circles above and below the brackets. Braces are good for your teeth, but hard on your toothbrush. It will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to fray. A water pick can also be very helpful, but cannot remove the sticky plaque that adheres to teeth. We recommend Sonicare toothbrushes, which are very effective in removing food particles and plaque. And don’t forget to floss…every day!

Brush After Every Meal:

• Use a toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste.
• Use circular, vibrating motions around the gumline for about 10 seconds on each tooth.
• Brush every tooth slowly.
• Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down.
• Also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

Floss Nightly After Brushing to Remove the Plaque Brushing Misses:

• Carefully pull waxed floss between wire and braces.
• Floss carefully around the braces.
• Floss carefully around the gum area.
• Floss around each tooth.