The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile is by thorough toothbrushing at least three times every day. Food particles and plaque can accumulate on teeth and in braces, and over time, the bacteria that results from this accumulation can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even loss of teeth. To avoid these problems while you are having orthodontic treatment, take special care of your braces, teeth and gums to ensure you will have the best possible result.
Brushing
If you have fixed braces, start by cleaning carefully between the braces and your teeth using an interdental brush (brace brush). These brushes are supplied in kits available from our reception. Use a gentle up and down motion to clean away any plaque or debris that may be collecting around and behind the wires on your brace. After cleaning with this brush, use your regular toothbrush straight afterwards as follows.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth, between braces and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush up on the lower teeth, down on the upper teeth and the outside, inside and chewing surface of your front and back teeth. You can use an electric toothbrush if you prefer, but you still need to start with an iterdental brush if you have fixed braces.
Especially during orthodontic treatment, brush your teeth three times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles in your teeth and braces:
- In the morning after breakfast
- After lunch or right after school
- At bedtime
You will need to replace your toothbrush more often due to your appliances. As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. It may be difficult for your toothbrush to reach some areas under your archwire. Do not swallow any toothpaste; rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. It is important to use a fluoride mouthwash throughout your orthodontic treatment optimal oral hygiene.
Flossing
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, you may like to use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is beneficial if done carefully every day.
Use a reusable floss threader or alternatively Superfloss to floss under your archwire daily. If using a floss threader, pull a small length of floss from the dispenser through the threader as shown on the video above. Superfloss is easier and you can buy it at our Practice - just use the stiff leader at the front of each Superfloss strip to feed under your archwire. Slide the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth. You will be able to feel when the tooth is clean and hear the squeak of the floss against your clean teeth. Use care around your archwire and do not floss too forcefully around it or put too much pressure on it. After you floss between your archwire and braces, floss between your other teeth and gums.
Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing around your braces, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, inform us at your next appointment.
Retainers
You must keep your retainers very clean. Brush them using a toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly under the tap after you take them out of your mouth. In addition, it is a good idea to soak them in some Retainer Brite (available from our Practice) once or twice every week.