Oral Hygiene during Orthodontic treatment requires training. Use the steps below to make sure your teeth stay clean and stain free during your treatment.

    • Brush 2-3 times per day, preferably after each meal.
    • Brush for at least 4-5 minutes, Don’t Rush
    • Small circular motion for each tooth with sufficient force to remove food and plaque.
    • Don’t forget brush the gums and tongue.
    • Clean behind each wire and attempt to get the brush bristles in between all teeth.

Your toothbrush will wear out quicker than usual so be sure to replace it when the bristles start to fray.

Flossing: Floss threaders will aid in maneuvering floss around brackets and wires.

Proper oral hygiene following these recommended steps will help to ensure that you do not have problems with bad breath and will help prevent staining that may be present when your orthodontic appliances are removed when treatment is complete.

Brushing Teeth Oral Hygiene

Office Recommended Products for Proper Oral Hygiene

  • Toothbrushes: Soft bristles is best for orthodontic treatment Example: Oral-B, Butler, Reach
  • Toothpastes: Any toothpaste with fluoride. Example: Crest, Colgate, Aqua Fresh, etc.
  • Fluoride Rinses: After brushing rinse once per day as per instructions. Over the counter: ACT, Fluorigard, Prevident, Oral-B, Perioguard

Brush your removable orthodontic appliance every day as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule for proper oral hygiene. Because food particles and plaque can accumulate on your appliance just as they do on your teeth, soak the appliance daily. Dissolve a Polident, Efferdent or other denture-cleaning tablet in a glass of tap water at room temperature and soak your appliance once every day. Your appliance will taste better, and you will prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation that can cause bad breath and promote tooth decay.