Keeping a Healthy Smile
Braces create small ledges, nooks and crannies for food deposits, which can lead to cavities and gum problems. This makes brushing and flossing even more important while you are wearing braces. When you brush and floss, handle your appliances carefully so you won't break or loosen them. Following these brushing and flossing instructions will keep your appliances and your smile healthy!
TEAM SR recommends the use of Oral-B electric toothbrushes to achieve maximum cleanliness. You may purchase Oral-B toothbrushes at our office for a discounted price or through many stores.
Be sure to brush your teeth right after every meal and before you go to bed using a soft bristled toothbrush. It is best to use a fluoride toothpaste to help fight cavities. If you can't brush right away, rinse well with water.
You should floss your teeth and gargle with a fluoride rinse every evening before going to bed.
Brushing Instructions
Concentrate on the "danger zone" – the space between the braces and your gums. Use a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Place the bristles where your gums and teeth meet. Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines, 10 seconds on each tooth. Then brush each tooth for 10 seconds across the braces, and between the braces and the chewing/biting surface of your teeth. Repeat this procedure on the surface of your teeth that your tongue touches. Don't forget the chewing surfaces of your back teeth as well! The upper and lower jaws should be brushed separately. Remember to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth too – especially if you have a quad helix, palate expander, or some other appliance.
Flossing Instructions
Use a floss threader to carefully pull the floss between the teeth. In order to floss with braces, you must place the threader between the wire and the gums. Gently move the floss up and down along each tooth to clean plaque and food debris that hides underneath the gums. Simply pull the floss out after each tooth and begin again. If you experience bleeding or discomfort while brushing and/or flossing, ask our office to help you with your technique. We will be happy to do so!
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Brushing: Step 1
Using a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste place bristles where gums and teeth meet.
Brushing: Step 2
For 10 seconds on each tooth use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines.
Brushing: Step 3
Every tooth of both arches should be brushed slowly.
Brushing: Step 4
Brush the lower teeth from gum line up and the upper teeth from the gum line down. Brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue too!
Flossing: Step 1
Carefully thread unwaxed floss between braces and wire. You may find a floss threader helpful.
Flossing: Step 2
Carefully floss around the braces.
Flossing: Step 3
Carefully floss around the gum areas.
Flossing: Step 4
Carefully floss around each tooth.
