How to Floss and Brush Effectively With Braces
Good oral hygiene is always important, but when you have braces, it becomes absolutely essential. The brackets and wires create many more surfaces for food and plaque to hide, and poor hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to cavities, white spots on teeth, and gum inflammation that can actually slow your progress. At Tangelo Orthodontics, we want every Drumright patient to finish treatment with not only a straighter smile, but a healthier one too.
Brushing: The Right Technique Matters
Brush after every meal, not just morning and night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) and fluoride toothpaste. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and brush along the gum line first, then work your way down to the brackets. Brush the tops and bottoms of each bracket carefully, and don’t forget the inside surfaces of your teeth. Spend at least two minutes brushing every session.
Orthodontic Brush Heads and Tools
Interdental brushes (tiny cone-shaped brushes) are excellent for cleaning under wires and around brackets. Many patients find them faster and easier than threading floss. Water flossers (like Waterpik) are another fantastic option, the pressurized water stream can flush debris from hard-to-reach areas around brackets and between teeth. We recommend them enthusiastically to our Drumright braces patients.
Flossing With Braces
Standard flossing requires threading the floss behind the archwire before sliding it between teeth, a task that requires a floss threader or pre-threaded orthodontic floss picks. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, the whole process takes about 5 minutes. Floss at least once a day, ideally before bed. Gently slide the floss up under the gumline on both sides of each tooth.
Mouthwash as a Final Step
Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing and flossing adds an extra layer of cavity protection. Look for an ADA-accepted fluoride rinse and use it once a day, ideally at night before bed.
Signs You’re Not Doing Enough
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums are a sign that plaque is accumulating and gum inflammation is setting in. White spots forming around your brackets are early demineralization, a warning sign of cavity formation. If you notice either of these, up your hygiene routine immediately and let us know at your next visit.
Need a refresher on oral hygiene with braces? Our Drumright team is happy to walk you through it in person. Call Tangelo Orthodontics at 918-523-4999 or stop by 1226 W Broadway St,. Great orthodontic results start with great habits!