CLEANING BRACES

Plaque needs to be removed from your teeth a couple of times each day, and this is even more important when you have braces! Cleaning braces on a regular basis is as important as cleaning your teeth on a regular basis.

All the brackets and wires in your mouth create places for plaque to hide. This can result in cavities, swollen gums, bad breath, and permanent stain marks on your teeth.

Plaque is a thin film that sticks on to your teeth with lots of bacteria in it, resulting in a white material that makes your teeth feel ‘fuzzy.’ Sugars in your diet cause the bacteria to produce acid that causes cavities. It also causes bad breath and gum disease.

Brushing

Brushing Techniques with Braces

It is advisable to use a soft bristled toothbrush using soft pressure and fluoride-containing toothbrush. Place the toothbrush at an angle to your teeth and use soft pressure with small circular motions. Clean above and below your braces.

Flossing

Flossing is more difficult when there are braces on your teeth, but it is very important to do so to prevent holes and gum disease. You can use superfloss to clean between your teeth.

Flossing With Superfloss

You can use superfloss to clean between your teeth.

1. Pass the stiff end of the floss under the wire between two teeth.

2: Sneak the normal floss end carefully through the contact between the two teeth and pass up and down in a C-shape against each tooth.

Repeat both steps for every tooth in your mouth. You should floss after you eat anything or at least once a day. Always rinse your mouth with water after brushing and flossing.

Flossing

Flossing is more difficult when there are braces on your teeth, but it is very important to do so to prevent holes and gum disease. You can use superfloss to clean between your teeth.

Flossing With Superfloss

You can use superfloss to clean between your teeth.

1. Pass the stiff end of the floss under the wire between two teeth.

2: Sneak the normal floss end carefully through the contact between the two teeth and pass up and down in a C-shape against each tooth.

Repeat both steps for every tooth in your mouth. You should floss after you eat anything or at least once a day. Always rinse your mouth with water after brushing and flossing.

Cleaning Your Braces with an Interdental Brush

An interdental brush can be used to clean underneath and around your wires and braces.