Looking After Your Braces
We recommend brushing 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
- After dinner/bedtime
How to Brush
We recommend brushing your teeth three times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles in your teeth and braces:
- Choose a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, this will minimize the chances of damaging the gum or the tooth enamel.
- Brush at the gumline and below the brackets. Brush at a 45-degree angle with the bristles pointed toward your gumline. Then brush on top of your brackets and below your brackets.
- Use small circles to brush the braces. Spend at least 25 – 30 seconds on each bracket.
- Make sure you move the toothbrush across all your front teeth and back to the outsides of your molars as well. It may be easier to reach the back of your mouth if you open your mouth a little.
Flossing while Wearing Braces
Flossing allows you to remove bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing takes time and patience when you are wearing braces. We recommend:
- Flossing once a day, preferably every night before you go to bed.
- To use the floss threader push the floss away from your lip, so for the top teeth drop the floss down underneath the wire and wrap the floss tight around both fingers of both hands and gently floss both sides of each tooth go as far as comfortable or make a “C” shape around each tooth. Release the floss from one hand and repeat in between each set of teeth.
- Do not floss too forcefully around it or put too much pressure on it.
Extra tips
- Inspect your teeth and braces carefully to make sure they are spotless. Look closely in a well-lighted mirror. This is a good time to check for loose or broken brackets. If you find a problem, contact Royal Orthodontics to see if it needs to be checked out and if we need to schedule a time to make a repair.
- Interdental brushes slip under your arch wire. They can be used to remove any food or plaque that may be caught in the braces. They are not meant to replace brushing or flossing.
- To reduce inflammation to your gums and cheeks, we suggest using a salt- water mouth rinse. This rinse will help prevent infection and decrease irritation that may develop from your braces. This salt water rinse helps the inside of your mouth heal. It can be used for general irritation caused by your braces or for canker sores, cheek bites and other minor injuries to the gums.
- Power Toothbrush can be used to help with the aid of brushing.
Potential Hygiene Issues with Braces
Gingivitis — Gingivitis, also called gum disease, is the first stage of periodontal disease. It’s usually painless, but signs like bleeding, or swollen and puffy gums are indicators that you have it. This happens when plaque builds up around the gum line, so make sure to massage your gums lightly when you brush, as well as flossing along the gum line.
Periodontitis — If not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, infection and inflammation in the gums that spreads to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. The gums start to pull away, forming gaps or pockets between your teeth that allow more plaque to accumulate.
Decalcifications — Decalcifications, sometimes called “white spots,” are permanent stain marks around your braces. Lines and spots from decalcification remain on your teeth for life,. The best way to avoid them is to brush three times a day.