Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Wylie, Texas
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes especially critical when wearing orthodontic appliances, since "food and plaque have more places to hide." Patients should brush and floss twice daily for two minutes, ensuring coverage of all tooth surfaces including front, back, sides, and the gum line using gentle circular motions.
Essential tools include soft-bristled brushes, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Specialized flossing devices help navigate around braces:
- Proxabrush: A vertical brush design that removes food between brackets
- Floss Threader: A plastic guide that directs floss beneath wires
- Superfloss: Features a reinforced tip for wire insertion
- Platypus/Harp Orthodontic Flosser: Plastic holders maintaining floss tension; the harp design angles at 90 degrees for posterior access
- Water Pick: Delivers continuous water spray to dislodge debris
Consistent brushing and flossing during orthodontic treatment "enables you to get the best results from your orthodontic treatment, and keeps your teeth healthy and strong."
