Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It’s extremely important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment. Proper oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc.) is the best way to prevent cavities and gum problems that can damage your teeth.

Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth with Braces

When you have braces, it’s very important to brush after every meal and floss at least once daily in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. Plaque and other substances (bacteria, food debris, etc.) accumulate on your teeth and braces between brushings. If these things are not removed from the surfaces of the teeth, it can result in permanent white spots on the teeth around the braces (called decalcification, which is the early stages of a cavity) or can even lead to more advanced and larger cavities on the teeth. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask Dr. Bowdoin and her team. We can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance(s).

We highly recommend that you schedule or maintain regular cleaning appointments with your dentist every 6 months while in braces. We also suggest rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash (such as ACT, which can be found in the toothbrush aisle in most stores) each night before going to bed to further protect your teeth.

It is also important to remember that your diet is a crucial aspect of properly caring for your teeth and braces. Remember to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. Also, try to minimize sugary foods because they can cause tooth decay (or cavities) and related problems.

Please read through the short clips below for proper brushing and flossing instructions.