Oral hygiene

Braces make it more difficult to fully clean your teeth and gums. Food lodges between your teeth, requiring careful brushing and flossing. It’s imperative you brush after every meal and snack because any plaque left behind will create a permanent white spot on the surface of your tooth.

A soft toothbrush is your best bet. Brush in small circles, using a steady pressure at a 45-degree angle. Make sure you replace your brush when the bristles begin to fray. Electric tooth brushes also are an excellent option.

Daily flossing is an absolute must. Waterpiks can be helpful, but they won’t remove plaque as thoroughly as regular flossing.

Interdental Toothbrushes

Interdental brushes are an excellent way to clean between your teeth and keep your gums healthy. Make sure you clean both underneath and around your braces. Interdental brushes must be used carefully to avoid damage to brace wires.

Antibacterial Mouthwashes

Hydrogen-peroxide mouth rinses help reduce the inflammation to your cheeks and gums that may be caused by orthodontic braces. Rinses also help prevent infection of these areas; reduce irritation; and heal scrapes, canker sores, cheek bites and other temporary injuries related to braces.

Flouride

Sodium-fluoride gels help prevent tooth decay by killing bacteria between your teeth. They also replace the tooth-enamel minerals that can erode when teeth are exposed to harmful acids. Topical fluorides are best used at bedtime. Make sure you carefully follow the product instructions.