Oral Hygiene During Your Orthodontic Treatment
It’s crucial to keep your teeth clean for both a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile, especially while wearing braces!
In addition to your routine dentist visits, you may need extra appointments for professional cleanings of your teeth and braces. Regular brushing and flossing are the foundation of excellent oral hygiene and must be done consistently.
Oral Hygiene with Braces
Brushing with Braces
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Ensure the bristles reach your gum line as you brush. For manual brushing, use gentle circular motions to clean each tooth.
If you prefer an electric toothbrush, make sure to clean around, above, and below the braces. Don’t just pass the brush over your teeth quickly—take your time to clean each surface thoroughly. We suggest brushing at least four times a day, with each session lasting 2-3 minutes. Be sure to brush after every meal and before bed. As braces wear out toothbrush bristles more quickly, replace your toothbrush when the bristles begin to fray.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing can be tricky with braces, but we provide floss threaders to help you work around the archwire. These threaders are reusable.
To floss properly, cut a 12-inch piece of floss and use the threader to carefully run the floss between your teeth and along the gum line. Be gentle and avoid putting too much pressure on the archwire.
For effective flossing, you’ll know it’s done right when you hear the “squeak” of clean teeth. Unlike brushing, which should be done four times a day, flossing should be done at least once daily, ideally before brushing at bedtime. It’s normal for your gums to bleed when you start flossing, but this should stop over time. If bleeding persists or there’s no improvement in gum health, consult your dentist.
Recommended Tools
Interdental Toothbrush
An interdental toothbrush (Proxabrush) is another excellent tool for keeping your teeth, braces, and gums clean. This small brush is designed to clean around the braces and under the archwire. Use it gently to avoid damaging your braces.
Antiseptic Mouth Rinse
Fluoride Mouth Rinse
Gargling with a fluoride mouth rinse twice a day for two minutes helps protect your teeth from decay and strengthens tooth surfaces. Choose a mouth rinse with at least 0.05% sodium fluoride.
After Braces
White Decalcification Marks on Teeth
Poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to plaque buildup, which may result in decalcification (white spots on your teeth) or tooth decay (dark stains and cavities) once your braces are removed. To prevent this, it’s recommended to visit your general dentist every 3-6 months during your treatment for ongoing dental care.