Brushing:

When you have braces, it is more important than ever to brush and floss regularly.

Food and bacteria that collect around bands, brackets, and wires can cause stains and cavities, not to mention unpleasant odors, so be sure to keep your teeth clean.

 

If plaque remains on the teeth for too long, it will leave a permanent white scar on the surface.

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You should brush your teeth at least three times a day (after breakfast, after lunch or immediately when you arrive home at the end of the day, and before bedtime). In addition, we recommend a daily fluoride rinse to minimize the chance of decalcification (permanent white spots on the teeth in areas where plaque is not removed) or cavities.

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Brushing teeth with braces requires more time than brushing without braces. Be prepared to spend at least two minutes each time you brush.

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Use a soft toothbrush with firm pressure and brush at a 45 degree angle to the tooth; brush in small circles above and below the brackets. Your toothbrush will wear out faster because of your appliances, so be sure to replace it whenever the bristles start to fray.

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We also recommend that you use a Proxabrush to clean difficult-to-reach areas around your wires, brackets, and bands. These brushes are especially helpful to remove food and plaque along the sides of the braces.

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To help keep your teeth and gums healthy, we also recommend that you see your regular dentist for a professional cleaning every 6 months. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits. Adult patients who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

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Flossing:

Flossing is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy! Flossing removes the food in between your teeth and prevents interproximal decay (decay in between the teeth).

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When you have braces, you should floss once a day. Flossing with braces is easier with the help of a floss threader or using SuperFloss®. Start by threading the floss under the archwire. Using a small section of floss, gently slide the floss between two teeth toward your gums. Wrap the floss tightly around the tooth on left side and move the floss up and down several times, making sure that the floss reaches the gumline. Wrap the floss around the tooth on the right side and do the same. Repeat these steps at all contact points between your teeth.

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If you are not cleaning your teeth properly, you may notice one or more of the following:

- Redness along the gumline

- Swollen and puffy gums

- Bleeding when brushing and flossing

- Plaque around your brackets and near your gumline​

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Looking for an easier way to floss with braces?! 

Platypus Ortho Flossers are designed to help make flossing with braces quicker and easier! 

For more information or to order, visit: www.platypusco.com

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