Brushing And Flossing With Braces

Properly brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is more important when you have braces. This will help ensure your teeth and gums are healthy after the orthodontic treatment. If plaque accumulates around the braces, tooth enamel may weaken and cause unaesthetic white spot lesions to form. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may need more frequent visits to the the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum problems should also see a a periodontist before starting and possibly during orthodontic treatment.

Click to download a printable PDF of these steps HERE.

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STEP #1

PROXABRUSH

  1. Use daily
  2. Direct bristles away from gums, up on the bottom, down on the top
  3. Use several strokes in each area and rinse bristles between each area

Proxabrush refills #614 and #612 can be purchased at your pharmacy

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Step #2

BRUSHING BETWEEN BRACES AND GUMS

  1. Use a soft toothbrush and brush at least twice a day - brushing before bed is very important
  2. Start on the upper right
  3. Brush above the braces using a circular motion
  4. Slowly work your way over to the left side
  5. Repeat above procedure on the lower teeth

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STEP #3

ON AND AROUND BRACES

  1. Start on the upper right and brush on braces and below braces using a circular motion
  2. Slowly work your brush toward the front teeth and over to the left side
  3. Repeat above procedure on the lower teeth

STEP #4

GUM MASSAGE

  1. Gum massage is extremely important when wearing braces
  2. Starting on the upper right place toothbrush on the area where the teeth meet the gums
  3. Slowly massage this area using a circular motion working your way over to the left side
  4. Repeat above procedure on the lower teeth

STEP #5

FINISH BRUSHING

  1. Brush the insides and biting surfaces of the teeth
  2. Repeat this procedure on the lower teeth
  3. Brush the roof of your mouth & your tongue
  4. After brushing check in mirrow for missed area and repeat if necessary

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FLOSSING

  1. Floss daily if possible Insert floss under unchwire using a floss threader
  2. Gently clean the sides of teeth and slightly under the gum using an up and down motion
  3. Don't pull too hard or you could bend the archwire or break a bracket
  4. Please be sure to remove and brush any removable appliance or retainer each time you brush your teeth
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