How to Brush Your Teeth While Wearing Braces

From an early age we are taught to brush and floss regularly to avoid cavities and gum disease. Orthodontic braces present an can discourage good brushing habits. To maintain oral health and properly care your for dental braces, follow these steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Use a fluoride toothpaste recommended by your dentist or one that bears the approval seal of the American Dental Association. Do not use whitening toothpaste.

• 2

  Brush teeth within minutes of completing each meal and right before bed. Brushing away food residue that can stain the braces and your teeth. Staining may not be obvious until after the braces are removed.

• 3

  Angle the toothbrush to 45 degrees and move it back and forth with short gentle strokes. Brush the front, back and top of each tooth. Also brush your tongue, gums and the roof of your mouth.

• 4

  Be careful when brushing around the dental braces. Start from the top and brush down. Brush gently to avoid bending or snapping wires and brackets.

• 5

  Floss nightly with waxed floss, using the standard flossing technique. Remove any rubber bands prior to flossing. Floss between teeth and between the wire and braces. Don't snag the floss on the apparatus. Tugging the floss loose could bend, break or loosen the braces. Any shredded pieces of floss left behind can introduce bacteria, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.

• 6

  Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months or when the bristles show signs of wear. Get a new brush after recovering from a cold because germs from the illness could reside among the bristles.