Orthodontic Brushing and Flossing

The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile is brushing and flossing. Food particles can accumulate on teeth and in braces, and over time, turn into plaque. The bacteria that results from this accumulation can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even loss of teeth. To avoid these problems while you are in orthodontic treatment, take special care of your braces, teeth and gums to ensure you will have the best possible result.

Brush after every meal.

Brushing with Braces
Use a toothbrush with a

small amount of toothpaste.

Brushing with Braces
Use circular, vibrating motions around the gumline for about 10 seconds on each tooth.

Orthodontic Tooth Brushing
Brush every tooth slowly.

Orthodontic Tooth Brushing
Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down. Also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. Especially during orthodontic treatment, brush your teeth four times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles in your teeth and braces:
  • In the morning after breakfast
  • After lunch or right after school
  • After dinner
  • At bedtime

You will need to replace your toothbrush more often due to your appliances. As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. 

Floss nightly after brushing to remove the plaque missed by brushing.

Flossing with Braces
Carefully pull waxed

floss between wire and braces.

Flossing with Braces
Floss carefully around

the braces.

Orthodontic Flossing
Floss carefully around the

gum area.

Orthodontic Flossing
Floss around each tooth.
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is important to floss your teeth every day.

Results

Proper Oral Hygiene photo
Proper Oral Hygiene

Poor Oral Hygiene photo
Improper Brushing and Flossing