Oral hygiene is extremely important for any patient undergoing orthodontic treatment. Proper brushing and flossing is vital to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and is essential in preventing the development of stains, streaks or other evidence of structural damage on the teeth. This damage can be in the form of permanent white spots, brown spots, cavities, and/or gum disease. To prevent this from happening, you must develop a system of cleaning every surface of your teeth. You may find our brushing video useful in illustrating the techniques described below.
Your new orthodontic appliances present a new challenge to keeping your teeth clean by adding several ledges, hooks and tubes that can overhang portions of the tooth and gingival tissue. Start by brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth and braces with a gentle, circular motion. Tilt your toothbrush 45 degrees to clean the top and bottom of the braces – like dusting on top and underneath a shelf. Concentrate on the areas of your teeth between the gums and the braces, as this area that is most commonly missed when brushing. Pay special attention to areas in the back of your mouth where large appliances may trap larger amounts of plaque and food debris. Then, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth as well as the inside surfaces of your teeth.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue as odor-causing bacteria can get trapped here. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes when brushing. Plaque is soft and can easily be removed with proper brushing techniques. Do not brush with a hard-bristled toothbrush or use harsh, saw-like motions as this may cause damage to your teeth and gums by wearing away the surface structure of the teeth.
To clean between the brackets, you can use an interproximal or proxy brush, which is a small, pine-tree shaped brush that can be adjusted to different angles. Your orthodontist will usually provide a proxy brush, but they can also be found at most drug stores. Insert it under the arch wire, and gently work it in an up and down motion. By doing this, you will be cleaning the surfaces of your teeth to the left and right of the braces. Do this between all of your brackets and bands.
To clean between your teeth, you will need to floss. Several different flossing mechanisms have been developed to assist orthodontic patients with this, as it can be difficult to stretch the floss underneath the orthodontic wire. For details on how to floss, please see our flossing video or refer to the Proper Flossing with Braces segment.
Most orthodontists will recommend brushing when you wake up in the morning, before bed, and after every meal. In addition, you can use a fluoride and/or anti-bacterial mouth rinse after brushing to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Additional hygiene mechanisms exist, such as electric toothbrushes and Waterpiks that may help out if you need more than a conventional tooth brush and floss. Ask your orthodontist or dentist if they have any specific recommendations for your individual situation.
Remember, both straight teeth and healthy looking teeth are essential to a beautiful smile. If you get in the habit of cleaning your teeth well, you will be well on your way to having that beautiful smile and maintaining it for many years to come!
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Dr. Charchut is a Board Certified Orthodontist practicing in both Lansing and St. Johns, Michigan. Read more about Dr. Charchut.
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