Brushing & Flossing

The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile is brushing and flossing. Food particles can accumulate on teeth and in braces, and over time, turn into plaque. The bacteria that results from this accumulation can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and eventually loss of teeth. To avoid these problems while you are in orthodontic treatment, take special care of your braces, teeth and gums by brushing and flossing daily.

Brushing while Wearing Braces

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth, between braces and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Be sure to brush above and below all the braces, as well as the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your front and back teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse.

Especially during orthodontic treatment, brush your teeth 3-4 times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles in your teeth and braces:

• In the morning after breakfast
• After lunch or right after school
• After dinner
• At bedtime

You will need to replace your toothbrush more often due to your appliances. As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. It may be difficult for your toothbrush to reach some areas under your archwire, but you will get better with practice. Do not swallow any toothpaste; rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. For optimal oral hygiene, use fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash.

Flossing while Wearing Braces

For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can't reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is important to floss your teeth every day.

Use a reusable floss threader to floss under your archwire daily. Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser through the threader, and thread the floss behind the archwire. Floss as you normally would between the teeth and repeat at the next spot, working your way around the entire mouth. Use care around your archwire, and do not floss too forcefully around it or put too much pressure on it, as this may pull the wire out or bend it.

Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing around your braces, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not stop after the first few times flossing, please inform a staff member at your next appointment.