Brushing Your Teeth with Braces

When you have braces, it is very easy to get food debris and plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. This can result in inflammation with your gums and staining of your teeth. Therefore it is very important to brush and floss after every meal. This will help ensure that your teeth and your gums remain healthy while you are in braces.

Brushing Instructions

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush. Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gums. Make sure you do this for your upper teeth as well as your bottom teeth.
• Brush gently in a circular motion. Repeat this from your front teeth all the way to your back teeth.
• Once you finish brushing the outer surfaces, then repeat with the inner surfaces and chewing surfaces of all your teeth.
• Make sure you use a mouthwash after you brush as this reduces any kind of inflammation with your gums.

Flossing Instructions

• Using a piece of floss, carefully thread the end between braces and wire.
• Carefully floss around the braces and around each tooth.
• Repeat process if necessary. You may find a floss threader very helpful.