Brushing And Flossing Especially Important During Orthodontic Treatment
As you are aware, plaque (the whitish build-up of food material, and bacteria) is the cause of cavities, tooth scarring (white lines as stains, also technically known as enamel decalcification) and gum disease, which may occur if teeth are not kept clean. In order to prevent the above problems from occurring, several techniques have been developed to reduce or eliminate plaque build-up on your teeth. You should brush your teeth immediately after every time you eat, even after snacks. We recommend a soft toothbrush and any brand of toothpaste which contains flouride. Tooth brushing and oral hygiene must be excellent at all times, especially next to the gumline. When oral hygiene is poor several things happen:
• Gum infection (gingivitis) is recognized by puffy, swollen, red gums which bleed easily. This can lead to more severe disease (periodontal disease), which eventually leads to tooth loss.
• Permanent white spots (decalcifications) may also be left on the teeth after appliances are removed if plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth during treatment. Extra care must be taken in the area between your gums and the braces. We call this "The Danger Zone". Food and plaque that collects around your braces and wires can cause stains and cavities as well as unpleasant odors, so be sure to keep your teeth clean. Take time and do it right. If you have difficulty brushing, an electric toothbrush may be recommended. A "proxy brush" is a small pipe-cleaner type of toothbrush and is recommended for brushing under your wires and between brackets in addition to a regular toothbrush.
• Finally, cavities can occur before, during or after treatment if hygiene is poor. Fortunately, all of these are preventable simply by brushing and flossing. We reserve the right to remove braces and stop treatment if hygiene is repeatedly poor and we feel that high plaque levels are damaging teeth and/or gums. Remember, during your orthodontic treatment you must see your dentist every 4-6 months for your cleanings and dental check-ups.
Remember that although your braces and wires are metal, they are fragile and can be damaged by eating the wrong foods.
FAQS
Q) How Often Should You Floss When You Have Braces?
Flossing is just as vital as brushing—perhaps even more so—when you’re wearing braces. You should floss at least once every day, ideally in the evening after brushing, to make sure food particles and plaque hiding between your teeth and under the wires are cleared away.
Here are a few tips to make flossing with braces more effective:
- Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to help guide the floss underneath the braces wire. This tool acts like a needle and thread, making it much easier to slide the floss to those hard-to-reach spots.
- Form the floss in a 'C' shape around each tooth and bracket, gently working the floss up into the gumline on both sides.
- Be thorough and gentle—slide the floss up and down, not back and forth, to avoid damaging your gums.
- Fresh floss for every tooth gap: Use a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
Q) How Should You Floss Your Teeth With Braces?
Daily flossing is incredibly important during orthodontic treatment—even more so than usual. Braces can create tricky hiding spots for food debris and plaque, particularly between teeth and beneath wires, that a toothbrush just can’t reach.
To floss effectively with braces:
- Use a floss threader: This handy little tool helps you guide dental floss under your braces’ wire and between your teeth with ease.
- Form a “C” shape: Gently curve the floss around each tooth, sliding it up into the gumline on both sides of the tooth. This motion helps clean plaque from areas most vulnerable to gum problems.
- Be thorough but gentle: Take your time to floss each tooth individually, being careful not to snap or force the floss—gentleness prevents gum irritation.
- Use fresh floss for each tooth: Move to a clean section of floss for every tooth to avoid spreading bacteria from one place to another.
Q) What Can You Do if Your Gums Are Swollen or Sore While You Have Braces?
If you notice that your gums are feeling swollen, tender, or sore during your orthodontic treatment, don’t worry—this is a common issue, and there are steps you can take to soothe your gums and keep them healthy.
One helpful tip is to alternate between rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, such as ACT or Listerine, which can help reduce gum inflammation and keep harmful bacteria at bay. Be gentle yet thorough with your flossing every day, ensuring you clean beneath the gumline to remove any plaque that might irritate your gums further.
Remember, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is your best defense. Stick with your brushing and flossing routine, and pay extra attention to the areas around your braces and along the gumline. If discomfort persists or worsens, let us know at your next appointment—we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and comfortable.