Brushing and Flossing

• It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Ideally four times – once after each meal and before bedtime.
• It is important to clean all tooth surfaces: outside, inside and chewing surfaces, as well as the area between the wire and the teeth and under the braces where food can be easily trapped.
• The key is to angle the tooth brush correctly at 45 degrees:
  
  • Point bristles at the area between the gums and wire.
• Check toothbrush bristles to make sure they are not dull or fuzzy
• Replace toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 6 months or sooner

Helpful Tools

Here are some tools that can help to keep your braces and teeth on a day to day basis. ​Although these are not complete substitutes for flossing and brushing, they can be effective in reducing food buildup

• Floss Threader
• Platypus Flosser and Brush
• Interdental Brush
• Water Flosser e.g Waterpik

Salt Water Rinse

One helpful tip for all patients with braces: 

• Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, stir to dissolve
• Swish with warm salt water in the mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out
• Rinse twice a day or more often as desired
• Can reduce gum inflammation and soreness in the mouth