Proper Oral Hygiene
IT’S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT WHILE YOU’RE IN TREATMENT
It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy during orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease could also benefit from seeing a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
Taking extra care to keep your teeth clean will ensure that, when the braces come off, your straight teeth will look and feel great.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. Electric and sonic toothbrushes are also acceptable.
- Use a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Use circular motions and be sure to clean the gum line and around each bracket for 10 seconds on each tooth.
- Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
- If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
- Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth, when eating away from home.
- Floss your teeth carefully at least once a day, pulling the floss gently under the archwire between each tooth. Go around the gumline and each tooth.
- We recommend that you have a check-up with your dentist every 6 months.