Braces create small wedges, nooks and crannies for food deposits, which can lead to cavities, gum problems, bad breath and areas of decalcification. This makes brushing and flossing even more important while you are wearing braces. The best way to brush is to place a soft bristle brush at a 45 degree angle against the gums. Move the brush back and forth in short strokes with a gentle scrubbing motion. Brush all surfaces of every tooth in your mouth. Don't forget to brush the inside surfaces as well. Brush for at least two minutes, three times a day. The interproximal brush (the small brush shaped like an evergreen tree), can be used to reach underneath the wire. Don't forget to brush your tongue to help freshen your breath. Inspect your teeth with a well lighted mirror to be sure you haven't left plaque deposits.
Keep your teeth and braces clean along the gum line, or they may become sore and swollen, which will make brushing more difficult.
An interproximal brush is always recommended as a hygiene aid.
An oral irrigator is a pretty cool appliance to use. It uses a jet stream of water to flush bits of food from places your toothbrush can't reach. Use a "Waterpik" to aid with brushing, never instead of brushing.
Everyone who wears braces should use dental floss daily. Flossing is your best weapon against decay causing plaque that hides in between the teeth and gums. It will help keep your gums from getting swollen. It is a little tricky while wearing braces to floss, but a floss threader can help you.
At least once a day, remove every trace of plaque and trapped food from between teeth and braces using floss.
Thread the floss through the threader and slip it up behind your arch wire. Hold the floss between two teeth and work up under the gumline. Curve the floss against the tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth with the floss, moving the floss away from the gum. Now curve the floss against the adjacent tooth and slide it up and down, wiping each tooth surface clean. Repeat with all your teeth. Once you are finished, rinse your mouth with warm water to wash away any loosened food or particles, then brush again.
A fluoride gel is also recommended for any patient who has fixed appliances. 'Phos Flur' is the brand we suggest. It requires a prescription, which we provide. 'Phos Flur' is best used once a day, at bed time. ‘Phos Flur' will be applied after your have brushed and flossed to remove all the plaque. Apply a thin ribbon of the fluoride gel to your toothbrush and place it along your gum line; spit out the excess. This is not toothpaste, so do not brush with it. It is meant to protect your teeth by coating them with fluoride. You should not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after you use it. If you use it right before bed the fluoride protects your teeth all night.
It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. You will be expected to see your family dentist for regular three to six month checkups and routine care. Routine dental care will help ensure the best possible results from your orthodontic therapy. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
