Food particles and plaque naturally accumulate on the teeth and on braces. This process could lead to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Proper oral hygiene is vital to prevent these problems from occurring during your orthodontic treatment. The extra effort you give to keep your teeth, braces and gums clean and healthy will result in a much better orthodontic outcome.

Orthodontic toothbrush (brush for braces treatment) with moderate force and a tooth paste that contains fluoride can be used. By placing the toothbrush at an angle you can feel the bristles under your gum line and then use small circular motions. Completely clean each surface of every tooth in your mouth, including the areas above, below and between each brace. Each surface of every tooth should be scrubbed with 10 strokes of the toothbrush. This should take 2-3 minutes.

Brushing is recommended after breakfast, after lunch (or as soon as you get home from school), after supper and at bedtime (after every meal). Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to fray. A toothbrush might not reach the areas under the arch wire properly. Proper oral hygiene also involves flossing and the use of an interdental toothbrush, an antiseptic mouth rinse and a topical fluoride.