It is much harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food compacts in the brackets and between your teeth, and can only be removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque remains on the teeth for any length of time, it will leave a permanent white scar on the surface.
Brushing after every meal should become part of your daily schedule. Use a soft toothbrush with firm pressure and brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth and gum; brush in small circles above and below the brackets. Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to fray. If you cannot brush right away, rinse well with water.
Flossing is important and should be done every night after brushing.
Brushing and flossing your teeth can be challenging when waring braces but it is extremely important that you do both consistently.
Brushing
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Use a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Place bristles where gums and teeth meet.
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Use circular, vibrating motions around the gumline for about 10 seconds on each tooth.
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Brush every tooth slowly, each arch separately. |
Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down. Also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. |
Flossing
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Carefully pull floss between wire and braces. A floss threader may be helpful. |
Floss carefully around the braces. |
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Floss carefully around the gum area. |
Floss carefully around each tooth. |
We recommend these products for your daily dental care: Waterpik, electric toothbrush (such as Sonicare), and OralB Super Floss.
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