When it comes to your oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, it can be even more important to stick to your routine. Debris from food is much more likely to get stuck in the mouth when braces are present, if neglected this can result in heavy discoloration and even tooth decay. So be sure to keep up with dental care and our oral hygiene instructions so that your teeth are ready to show off once your orthodontic treatment is complete!
Brushing With Braces
When it comes to oral hygiene and brushing with braces, there are few important things to keep in mind:
- Be sure to get the backs of teeth and even behind molars.
- We recommend brushing a minimum of twice a day for 2-3 minutes each time.
- When brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
- Start by brushing the outside of your teeth, apply moderate pressure when brushing braces top to bottom.
- Be sure to get the backs of teeth and even behind molars.
- Electronic toothbrushes can help make dental care easier and improve your oral hygiene.
Flossing With Braces
Flossing with braces can be a little more difficult; it is however extremely important for maintaining optimal oral health and oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment. We recommend flossing at least once a day.
- To properly floss, you must thread the floss under the archwire; we recommend using a floss threader.
- Start by pushing the floss top to bottom on your upper teeth.
- For the bottom teeth, you should thread from bottom to top.
- Always thread away from the gums.
- Once threaded, floss your teeth like you typically would without braces.
- Looking for floss for braces? Using a water flosser/pick to floss can make flossing much more simple and improve overall oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health and prevent any future health issues.
