Mastering Dental Hygiene With Braces

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With braces, maintaining impeccable oral hygiene becomes even more crucial. Brushing and flossing after each meal is the key to preserving the health of your teeth and gums throughout your treatment. If you’re unsure about selecting the right toothbrush, toothpaste, or dental floss, don’t hesitate to ask us for guidance.

Remember, brushing your teeth is the most essential step you can take to optimize your orthodontic journey. Done right, it’ll make your entire treatment much more comfortable. Correct brushing techniques can help prevent gingivitis, gum bleeding, periodontitis (gum and bone disease), decalcification (irreversible white stains on teeth), and cavities.

Brushing Basics:

  • 1
    Select a soft or extra-soft toothbrush.
  • 2

    Opt for a toothpaste containing fluoride.

  • 3

    Dedicate at least 2 to 5 minutes to brushing.

  • 4

    Aim to brush 4 or 5+ times a day after all meals and snacks and before bed.

Bacteria can live on every surface in your mouth, including your orthodontic appliances. Here’s an effective technique to maintain optimal dental health during your treatment (we’ll start with the lower teeth, but you can start with the upper):

  • 1

    Brush your lower gums from one side to the other.

  • 2

    Angle the brush upwards from below the lower brackets and brush the bottom of each brace.

  • 3

    Position the toothbrush against the “outside” surface of the braces and brush each bracket in a circular motion.

  • 4

    Angle the brush downwards from above the braces and brush the top of each bracket.

  • 5

    Brush the biting surfaces of your teeth from one side to the other. Remember, you may have more teeth than braces, so don’t forget to go all the way back.

  • 6

    Brush the tongue side of the teeth.

  • 7

    Repeat this process for the upper teeth!

  • 8

    Brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue.

  • 9

    Rinse thoroughly.

  • 10

    Check in the mirror for any food, plaque, or debris in, on, or around the braces and/or your teeth. If you find any, brush those areas again.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing with braces is a vital part of your dental hygiene routine. It might take more time initially, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not much harder than flossing without braces.

We recommend superfloss for its superior design and ease of use. Superfloss has three sections per strand: a firm end, a “fuzzy” section, and a standard floss section. The firm end makes it easy to thread the floss between the wire and the teeth. Once threaded, you can easily guide it back and forth between the teeth and above or below the gum line with the standard floss section.

After flossing between two teeth, you’ll need to rethread the floss for the next pair. The soft and “fuzzy” section is great for catching plaque hiding behind the tiny crevices around the braces.

Aim to floss your teeth at least once a day for effective home care. Happy brushing and flossing!

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