Patients wearing braces need to be ever vigilant when it comes to keeping their braces, teeth and gums clean.  By following your orthodontist’s instructions on oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods, you can maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.  Plaque is your enemy.  If plaque is left on your teeth, around the braces, you can develop swollen gums, bad breath, scarred & discolored teeth, even cavities.

Flossing

Floss at least once a day.  You will receive detailed instructions on how to floss with braces.

Rinsing

An antiseptic dental rinse can aid in soothing and healing irritations and inflammations caused by orthodontic appliances.  A mouth rinse can also remove food debris between teeth and braces.

Interdental

An interdental toothbrush can be used to clean areas under wires and between braces that a regular toothbrush may miss.

Retainer

It is best to brush your retainer as often as you brush your teeth as plaque and food particles can build up on your retainer over time.  You should soak your retainer in denture cleaning solution once a day.