Caring for Your Braces

Taking care of your mouth with regular brushing and flossing is essential for preventing the buildup of plaque and bacteria that can cause serious issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Because the brackets and wires are affixed to your teeth, your oral hygiene routine is even more important. Your brushing routine will need to be adjusted. Along with brushing in the morning and before you go to bed, it is important that you brush after each meal. With a soft-bristled toothbrush, use gentle circular motions and follow along with the teeth and gum line. When you clean around your brackets, angle your bristles against them. Make sure that you brush the areas under the wires as well. You may need to change your toothbrush more often as the bristles may become frayed sooner. When you have braces, food can become trapped under the wires as well as along the brackets. While brushing can remove some of the debris, it cannot eliminate everything. This is where flossing comes in. However, it can be difficult, and tedious, to get the floss under the wire between every bracket. A floss threader can be very helpful. Once under the brackets, move the floss gently back and forth to work it between the teeth. Scrape the floss up and down each tooth. You should also floss carefully around the brackets and wires. Make sure that you floss between each tooth, as well as behind the very back molars.