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Brushing & Flossing

Tooth Brushing & Oral Care

Braces tend to trap food and bacteria (plaque) on teeth. Unless this plaque is removed, damage can occur to your teeth and gums. Therefore, tooth brushing instructions given to you by our staff should be carefully followed.

When to brush

A good regimen is to brush:

  • When you get up in the morning
  • Within five (5) minutes after you eat (each time)
  • When you go to bed.

We suggest you carry a travel type or folding toothbrush with you. In addition to brushing, flossing and fluoride rinses are essential to good oral care. A great floss for people with braces is Glide floss threaders, which can be found at your local supermarket or drugstore. Fluoride rinses, like ACT, are great agents that combat demineralization and cavities. They can also found in your local supermarket or drugstore.

How to brush

First, brush back and forth between the wires and gums, upper and lower, to loosen food particles.

Next, brush correctly as if you had no braces:

  • Start on the outside of the upper teeth. With the bristles angled at 45 degrees, brush in a circular motion, two or three teeth at a time for about 10 strokes; then move on to the next two or three teeth and repeat.
  • Brush the same way on the inner surfaces
  • Brush the chewing surfaces
  • Then start on the outside of the lower teeth and repeat the process
  • Lastly, brush your tongue

Rinse your mouth and toothbrush. Check in the mirror to see if you have missed any places. Double check the spaces between the bands and gums to make sure they are clean and free of debris. Upon completion, you should have brushed all 4 sides of each bracket.

When you have finished, your braces and wires should be clean, shiny and be free of all food particles.