How to Brush and Floss with Braces

The average treatment time for traditional braces is anywhere from 24 to 36 months. You don’t want to go that long without effectively brushing and flossing, do you? Believe it or not, many people with braces do not brush and floss around their appliance correctly, increasing their risk of problems like tooth decay and gum disease. This is especially true because braces can trap food particles against your teeth and attract bacteria. Luckily, an orthodontist in Pleasant Grove has written this guide on how to brush and floss with traditional braces.

Brushing with Braces

Before you even start brushing, rinse your mouth out with warm water. This can dislodge any food particles that may be stuck in your brackets and wires. Brush at a 45-degree angle against the gumline. Then, place the brush on top of each bracket, angling downward. After that, move the brush to the bottom of each bracket and angle it up.

In general, you’ll want to brush slowly and carefully. Make sure that every tooth gets brushed not only along the gumline, but above and below each bracket as well. Doing so will ensure that you clean the majority of the tooth’s surface, except for the portion under the brackets.

Flossing with Braces

Many people don’t realize that flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to keeping your teeth clean. After all, brushing only cleans three of the five surfaces of your teeth. You wouldn’t only wash three-fifths of your body in the shower, would you? Then why apply the same logic to your pearly whites?

To make flossing with braces easier, use a floss threader. It can help reach the tight spaces in between your wires.

Brushing and flossing are equally important when it comes to oral hygiene, which is especially crucial when you have braces. Follow the steps listed above to keep your teeth in good condition during your orthodontic treatment so that they shine brightly when your braces come off!

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry has eleven practices conveniently located around the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. They all have a variety of dental specialists under their roofs, including several orthodontists. They specialize in treating patients of all ages with traditional braces. To learn more about taking care of your teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment, or if you or your child want a straighter smile, click here to contact Bear Creek Family Dentistry.