Oral Hygiene

ORAL HYGIENE

Brushing your teeth is even more important when you are wearing braces. Food can get stuck on your braces and cause staining, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are some suggestions on when and how to brush your teeth with braces.

Type of Toothbrush:

You can use any brand of toothbrush you like, but it should have lots of soft bristles. Change your toothbrush often, no less than every three months. Toothbrushes are cheap compared to cavities. If you prefer to use an electric toothbrush, that is fine. Braun/Oral-B, Interplak, and SonicCare all make effective electric toothbrushes. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric is a personal choice. Properly used, either is effective. If you choose an electric, remember that the brush heads need to be changed as frequently as a manual toothbrush, so keep several spares on hand. A worn out head is ineffective and will not remove plaque properly.

Type of Toothpaste:

Any toothpaste that has fluoride is satisfactory. You should choose toothpaste that will motivate you to brush.

Flossing:

Flossing while you are wearing braces is more difficult, but well worth it. You will need a floss threader or superfloss in order to floss more easily. We will give you some and you can get these at any drugstore. But remember, the most important step in good oral hygiene with braces is to brush a lot.

Frequency of Brushing:

Brush at least four to five times a day following this schedule:

Always remember to not only brush your teeth, but your gums and tongue too! Poorly cleaned gums are just as bad as poorly cleaned teeth. They will become puffy, red, and have a tendency to bleed. So, attend to your gums during every brushing session.

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Brushing Steps