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Brushing and Flossing

Keep Your Smile Sparkling with Braces!

Having braces means your teeth and gums need a little extra love -- but don't worry, it's easy to keep them healthy and happy! Brushing and flossing after every meal is key to a bright, healthy smile and keeping your treatment on track. Need help picking our the perfect toothbrush, toothpaste, or floss for your braces? Just ask us -- we're happy to guide you to the best products for your teeth and your appliances.

Brushing with Braces

  • Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal using a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • An electric toothbrush can make brushing even easier and more effective.
  • Use small, gentle, circular motions on the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth, keeping the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line.
  • For chewing surfaces and the inside of your front teeth, use short, gentle, back-and-forth motions.
  • Take extra care around your brackets and wires --  that's where food loves to hide!

brushing with braces

Flossing with Braces

Flossing after meals helps keep your teeth clean and your braces working efficiently. Here's how:

  • Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to guide floss behind each wire.
  • Wrap the ends around your pointer fingers, leaving a few inches of taut floss.
  • Gently slide the floss between your teeth in a back-and-forth motion, cleaning beneath the gum line and along each tooth.
  • Repeat for every tooth -- don't skip any spots!

If regular flossing is tricky, ask us about a water flosser -- it can make cleaning around braces a breeze!

flossing with braces

Extra Tips for a Healthy Smile

  • Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
  • Avoid sticky and sugary foods that can increase plaque and make cleaning harder.
  • Rinse with an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash to wash away bacteria and keep enamel strong.
  • Keep up with regular dental cleanings -- your dentist and orthodontist work together to keep your smile healthy.

With a little care and these tips, your braces journey will lead to a beautiful, sparkling smile that lasts a lifetime!