Brushing and Flossing

When you have braces, it's very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.  We will go over detailed instructions with you the day your braces or appliances are put on. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.

Brushing with Braces

Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You can use a powered toothbrush also with all braces or appliances, but be sure to not miss your gums. (Some patient's find this sensitive with a powered toothbrush)  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. Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances.

The following link can be used to order additional interproximal brushes: 

Amazon.com/Flexible Interdental Orthodontic Brushes

Flossing with Braces

Flossing after every meal will help keep your teeth and braces clean, which will also help keep your treatment time on track. To floss with braces, thread the floss under the wire and then you can floss regularly like before you had braces. Floss between each tooth and the sides of each tooth beneath the gum line to remove plaque and food particles. Repeat this process until you’ve flossed all of your teeth. This is time consuming, but very important for good oral health!