Raleigh Orthodontist Clean Teeth and Braces

What kind of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?

Each patient will be instructed individually on proper brushing techniques.

Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. (Do NOT use whitening toothpaste)

How much time should I spend brushing?

Brush in the morning, before bed, and after meals.

If you aren't able to brush after a meal, be sure to do a good rinsing with water in your mouth.

You can carry a travel toothbrush with you so you can brush after meals or anytime you've had something to eat.

Also, be sure that at least twice a day you brush very thoroughly for at least three minutes.

It is vital that you clean your braces every time you brush your teeth.
(Braces can trap plaque which increases your risk of cavities and gum disease.)

How can I brush with a regular toothbrush when I'm wearing braces?

Turn the toothbrush at an angle
(One brushing method is to place your brush at a 45° angle to the gum. Apply gentle pressure as you brush with a short back-and-forth motion, cleaning each tooth individually for about 10 seconds.)

Brush over the front and back and chewing areas of each tooth

Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down.

Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

Remember to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth - and make sure you reach the teeth in the back, too.

Finish by cleaning around your braces, brushing first from the top and then from the bottom.
(Brush gently, being careful not to break or bend any of the brackets or wires.)

Brush your gums as well as your teeth

After brushing, be sure and look at your teeth very thoroughly in the mirror to make sure you have gotten rid of all the plaque on your teeth.

Floss nightly after brushing to remove the plaque missed by brushing.

How do I floss with fixed braces?

Flossing removes the plaque between your teeth and under your gumline. (If you don't floss, you're leaving up to 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched and uncleaned.)

Choose a waxed floss and curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape.

With dental floss wrapped around the tooth, gently move it up and down the side of each tooth, including under the gumline.

Unroll a new section of dental floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Carefully pull waxed floss between wire and braces.



Use a fluoride mouth rinse at least once daily to help reduce the risk of cavities.

How do I clean my retainer or other removable appliances?

After you remove the appliance from your mouth, brush and clean between your teeth in the normal way.

Be sure that you gently brush your gum and the roof of your mouth and any area that may be covered by your appliance.

Using your toothbrush and toothpaste, next clean your appliance, and rinse it thoroughly with water afterwards.

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