Proper Oral Hygiene
TAKING CARE OF YOUR SMILE
Proper Oral Hygiene
TAKING CARE OF YOUR SMILE
It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy during orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease could also benefit from seeing a periodontist during orthodontic treatment. Taking extra care to keep your teeth clean will ensure that, when the braces come off, your straight teeth will look and feel great.
- We recommend you use a soft bristled tooth brush with a small head. Electric and sonic tooth brushes are also acceptable.
- Brush your teeth after meals and snacks
- If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
- Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day. We recommend a WaterPik water flosser. It is an inexpensive tool to greatly improve oral health during orthodontic treatment.
- We recommend that you have a check-up with your dentist every 6 months.
