It is very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment. We will provide you with an oral hygiene starter kit after the braces are first placed and will include an electric toothbrush along with other cleaning aids. Our staff will go over with you how to properly brush and floss, and we will assess your child’s oral hygiene at each appointment.

Braces trap food very easily which promotes plaque formation. Plaque can lead to puffy and inflamed gum tissues (gingivitis) and cavities (Yuk!) With the daily use of effective oral hygiene techniques, plaque build up can be prevented.

The foundation to good oral hygiene is effective brushing. This is done with a fluoridated tooth paste and a soft bristled brush. Brushing should be done after every meal and snack, and should be done slowly and carefully. It is very important to brush not only your braces but also your gums!

Even the most diligent brushers sometimes have difficulty keeping their teeth clean. This is often a result of poor technique rather than willingness and as such, we have included a few short videos instructing you how to:

• Brush
• Floss
• Proxabrush

Replacement supplies are all available at your local pharmacy, and please always ask one of the clinical staff if you need some tips on cleaning any hard to reach areas.