Patient Education
Hygiene

Oral Hygiene: Taking care of your mouth and braces

Why you should take care of your braces

Food gets trapped in braces, wires, bands, and appliances very easily. Trapped food particles can cause plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky mixture of food debris, saliva, and bacteria that will cause cavities and gum disease if not removed.

Careful brushing after every meal and snack is very important for good oral hygiene during Orthodontic treatment. Flossing at least once a day is necessary to remove trapped food debris.

Have the right tools!
To be a super-duper brusher you need the right tools. Be sure you have:

• Fluoride toothpaste
• Soft bristled brush – change every 3-4 months
• Waxed floss or Super floss (the threader is attached)
• Proxy brush (or we call it a Christmas tree brush)
• Fluoride mouth rinses
• An electric toothbrush and a water-pik are both useful devices

• Spend 3 minutes brushing every time you brush
• Brush all the surfaces of your teeth in a circular motion. Also brush the tongue, roof of your mouth, and inside of cheeks. ( This will help bad breath)
• Brush along the gum line where the tooth and gum come together in a gentle circular motion.
• Look in the mirror and check your teeth to see if they are clean. Your braces should be shiny clean when you are finished.

• Use waxed floss or Super floss
• Thread floss behind brace wire
• Slide floss up and down between teeth and at the top of the tooth along gumline
• Without removing floss from behind wire, go to the next side of the tooth
• Re-thread floss and go to next tooth

Copyright 2005 - Smile Perfect Orthodontics - All Rights Reserved