Proper brushing and flossing are important to prevent problems from occurring during your orthodontic treatment. The extra effort you make to keep your teeth, braces and gums clean will result in a better outcome.

BRUSHING

We recommend that you use a soft bristled toothbrush with moderate force and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Place the toothbrush at an angle so that you feel the bristles under your gum line and use small circular motions. Completely clean each surface of every tooth in your mouth, including the areas above, below and between each brace.

1. Clean each surface of every tooth in your mouth, including the areas above, below and between each brace.		2. Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum line. Stimulate your gums gently with a soft brush.
3. Brush every tooth slowly. Brush the upper teeth down.		4. Brush the lower teeth up. Also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

FLOSSING

Dental floss is a nylon thread that is used to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Flossing is more difficult when you have braces on your teeth. A floss threader may be needed to get the floss under the archwire. Use a piece of floss about 12 inches long. Use the floss threader to get the floss under the wire. Slide the floss up and down along the tooth surface. Be extra careful to not pull with too much force on your archwire.

The best time to floss is before bedtime after brushing to remove the plaque missed by brushing. If your gums are not healthy, they may bleed the first few days you floss.

1. Gently pull waxed floss between wire and braces.

2. Floss around each tooth carefully.

Member of American Association of Orthodontics