Once your braces are in place, it is very important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen. Braces, wires, bands and retainers can all trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Careful brushing and flossing, preferably after every meal and snack, is the best way to prevent plaque build-up, tooth decay and gum disease.
Dr. Hoffman recommends for all his patients to do the following:
- Brush teeth at least two times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles in your teeth and braces.
- Floss your teeth –Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is important to floss your teeth every day. We recommend flossing at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed.
- Use a proxy brush to remove food particles stick between brackets.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash, such as ACT?, every day.
- Cleaning your removable appliance- Brush your removable appliance every day as a part of your regular brushing and flossing schedule. Because food particles and plaque can accumulate on your appliance just as they do on your teeth, soak the appliance daily in diluted mouthwash. If your appliance builds up plaque, you can dissolve a denture-cleaning tablet in a glass of tap water at room temperature, and soak your appliance.
This video demonstrates the proper way to brush and floss your teeth while wearing braces.