When you have braces, it's very important to brush and floss at least twice a day (ideally after every meal) in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Brushing with Braces
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Use small, gentle, circular motions to brush. Begin along the upper gumline, with the head of your toothbrush angled toward the gumline. Then, brush carefully around the brackets, the chewing surface, and finally the back surface or your teeth. Make sure you brush along the gumline on the back surface, too. Repeat on the bottom teeth. Ideally, brush for two minutes on top, and two minutes on the bottom.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing after every meal will help keep your teeth and braces clean, and free of food debris. You can use a floss threader to thread the floss behind each wire, or you can use floss picks designed for braces (they are narrower on one end to fit between the brackets, teeth, and wires). Orthodontic floss picks are readily available online. Slide the floss between your teeth using a back and forth motion. Floss 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. You can use a water jet device as a supplement to (not a replacement of) flossing.
Extra Tips for a Healthy Smile with Braces
- Use fluoride toothpaste: This helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Avoid sticky and sugary foods: These can increase plaque buildup and make cleaning harder.
- Rinse with mouthwash: An alcohol-free fluoride rinse can help wash away bacteria and strengthen enamel.
- Keep up with regular dental cleanings: In addition to your orthodontic visits, continue seeing your dentist for every six month for cleanings and exams.
