Orthodontic Brushing and Flossing

The most important job you have during your treatment is keeping your teeth clean.

Plaque and food that gets caught on your braces and is not brushed off can cause cavities, red swollen gums (gingivitis), bad breath, and permanent white spots.

You will need to brush your teeth several times a day with a Fluoride containing toothpaste. Dr. Cavanagh recommends that you brush in the morning, after meals and snacks, and before you go to bed. Before going to bed give yourself some extra time and make sure that you brush thoroughly, floss between your teeth, and use a WaterPik.

When you brush, you need to make sure that you’re not only cleaning the braces – make sure you are cleaning your teeth. You will need to angulate the bristles so that you reach above and below the braces. Also gently brush the gum line (where your tooth and gum meet). También, don’t forget to brush the biting surfaces of your teeth and the backs of your teeth. An interproximal brush is a great tool to get under the wire and between the braces where the toothbrush can’t reach.