How to Brush and Floss When You Have Braces

If you have braces, you know that your smile is going to look amazing when you get them removed. At least, it will if you continue to brush and floss during your orthodontic treatment. Although it might seem like brushing is extra difficult while you have braces, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together this guide on how to brush and floss if you have braces.

How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces

Rinse with water before you even begin brushing. This will help dislodge food particles that may have gotten stuck in your wires and brackets. Start by brushing the gumline at a 45-degree angle. Then, put your brush on top of the brackets, angling down to clean the top of each bracket. Do the same thing, but from the bottom. You’ll want to go slowly and gently. By brushing every tooth at the gumline as well as above and below each bracket, you can clean the majority of the tooth and keep plaque from building up and causing cavities.

How to Floss with Braces

Many of us don’t floss as often as we should, especially if we have braces. However, that’s no excuse to not clean in between your teeth. Although it may take extra time, it’s crucial that you floss while you have braces in order to prevent plaque from accumulating between your teeth and giving you gum disease or decay.

Using a floss threader will make it easier to clean between your teeth. if you need help reaching right spaces, a floss pick might help, especially one designed to help reach back teeth. after brushing and flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help decrease your chance of cavities significantly.

Cleaning between your teeth might be a bit of a hassle when you have braces, but it’s still important. Make sure to ask your orthodontist in Pleasant Grove for more tips on how to take care of your oral health during your orthodontic treatment.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, you’ll find general dentists as well as specialists like orthodontists all under one roof to meet all of your needs in just one building. If you’re in need of a straighter smile, don’t hesitate to contact our Pleasant Grove office at (214)-381-3800.