You know how important it is to brush and floss properly when you're wearing braces but what's the best way to do that? First, start with either a soft-bristle brush or a bi-level brush (one that has shorter bristles in the middle and longer bristles at the edges). An electric toothbrush can also work if used carefully. You must be sure the electric brush is set to a moderate power level, and that vibrations do not cause the back of the brush to hit the braces.
We recommend that you brush using a fluoride toothpaste at least three times per day (preferably after meals), for at least two minutes each time. Remember to brush all of the tooth surfaces, outside, inside, and the chewing surfaces. Be especially careful to clean the areas between wires and teeth, and between brackets and gums where food particles can easily become trapped.
We suggest the following brushing technique: Beginning at the outside surfaces, place the tips of the bristles flat against your teeth, and use small circular motions to gently polish them clean. For areas between braces and gums, tilt the brush toward the gum line (down for the bottom teeth, up for the top teeth) while continuing the circular motions. Next, move to the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth, using a firm back-and-forth motion. Finally, carefully brush the inside surfaces of the teeth the same way you did the outside surfaces.
Special Brushing Tools
If you're having trouble cleaning the areas near brackets and wires, there are some special tools that may help. One is the interdental toothbrush or proxabrush. It has a small tuft of bristles that stick up all around, like a pipe cleaner. Use it gently and carefully to clean the tiny spaces under wires and around bands and brackets.
Another special cleaning tool is the oral irrigator or “water pick.” This device shoots a small stream of pressurized water at your teeth, which can help dislodge bits of food that become trapped in nooks and crannies. While it's easy to use, an oral irrigator isn't a substitute for a toothbrush or dental floss. When used along with proper brushing and flossing techniques, it can be very effective.
Floss Fundamentals
To keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, you need to floss at least once per day. But how do you get floss under the archwire of your braces? It's not so hard with the help of a floss threader. Similar to threading a needle, you pull one end of the floss through the threader, and then push the threader, carrying with it the free end of the floss, under the archwire. Now grasp the floss on each end and slide it up and down the sides of both teeth, and all the way under the gums until you hear a squeaky sound. Finally, pull the threader out and use a new section of floss for the next area. Remember that the threader may be used over and over again if you simply rinse and wipe it after use.
The interdental flosser pictured here is an excellent aid in flossing with braces. A thin spatula end fits between the archwire and the facial side of the tooth and the floss glides easily without being impeded by the braces. These are purchased under such names as Platypus Orthoflossers and Plackers Orthopedics, or generic products may be found at Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. These flossers may be purchased in bulk to last the duration of treatment.
Disclosing Products
Do you ever wonder how effective your tooth-cleaning techniques really are? There's an accurate way to tell using special vegetable dyes called “disclosing solutions” or “disclosing tablets.” As they dissolve in the mouth, these dyes highlight plaque and food debris that brushing has missed. You can then easily remove the dyed spots and you'll know for sure that you are doing a good job with your oral hygiene.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy now is an investment in your future. It enables you to get the best results from your orthodontic treatment and starts you toward a brighter smile that can last a lifetime.