Daily Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential while wearing braces. Orthodontic appliances create additional areas where food and plaque can accumulate, making cleaning more challenging. Without proper care, plaque buildup can lead to swollen gums, cavities, and permanent white marks (decalcification) on the teeth.

Brushing

Brushing after every meal should become part of your daily routine.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush gently.
• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
• Brush in small circular motions above and below each bracket.
• Brush in between brackets.
• Carefully clean around all wires and brackets.

Because braces cause toothbrush bristles to wear down more quickly, replace your toothbrush as soon as the bristles begin to fray.

Mechanical or ultrasonic toothbrushes are popular options and can be used safely and effectively without damaging your orthodontic appliances.

Flossing

Flossing is critical and must be done every day to clean between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Special flossing aids and threaders are available to make flossing with braces easier. We will review proper flossing techniques with you at your appointments.

Flossing Aids

• Plackers Orthopick or Platypus Orthodontic flosser
• Superfloss by Oral B
• Waterpik water flosser

Fluoride Rinse

All patients with cemented appliances are strongly encouraged to use a fluoride rinse daily to help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.