Brushing and Flossing

How to Brush your Teeth with Braces

To effectively clean your teeth and braces, you’ll need:

You should be brushing at least 3-4 times per day and flossing at least 2 times per day especially before bed.

Step-by-Step Guide

Properly brushing your teeth with braces might take a little more time and care, but it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Rinse Your Mouth

Start by rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash to loosen any food particles and prepare your teeth for brushing.

2. Brush Away Food Particles

Use your soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush away any visible food particles from around your brackets and wires. Brush the front, top, lower and back of your teeth.

3. Angle Your Toothbrush

Angle your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. This angle helps you reach under the wires and brackets effectively.

4. Brush in Sections

Divide your mouth into four sections: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. Focus on one section at a time to ensure thorough cleaning.

5. Brush Brackets and Teeth

Gently brush your teeth and the brackets on the front, top, and back sides. Use small, circular motions to clean around the brackets. Take your time, ensuring you cover every surface.

6. Interdental Cleaning

Use the interdental brush or ProxaBrush to clean between the wires and brackets. Insert the brush between each tooth and move it back and forth to dislodge food particles and plaque.

7. Floss with a Threader

Thread floss through the orthodontic floss threader. Gently guide the floss under the wires and between your teeth. Be cautious not to snap the floss, which can damage your braces.

8. Rinse with Mouthwash

Swish with mouthwash to kill bacteria and strengthen your teeth. Follow the instructions on the mouthwash label.

Here are a few tips that can help improve your oral hygiene:

Change your toothbrush or toothbrush head regularly, approximately every three months or sooner if the bristles show wear and tear or after you had a cold or flu.
Always keep a travel toothbrush kit on hand that consists of a toothbrush, small tube of toothpaste and small bottle of mouthwash.
If you are unable to brush your teeth after each meal, rinse thoroughly with water to remove any leftover food particles until you are able to do so.
Remember to floss!
Remember to get your teeth professionally cleaned every 3-4 months.

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