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