Tooth decay can be harder to control when you start orthodontic treatment. Once you get your braces placed, food and drinks can get trapped in and around your appliances as well as your teeth. Proper teeth cleaning becomes essential to help your teeth stay healthy and strong throughout treatment.

To reduce plaque buildup, gingivitis, and stains, follow these guidelines.

Brush four times a day.

To properly clean your teeth during treatment, we recommend brushing four times a day: once after every meal and again before bed. It may sound difficult to brush this often, but after consistent practice, you’ll find it quickly becomes a habit. It’s a good idea to purchase a travel toothbrush and toothpaste and keep it with you on the go so you can brush when you’re out of the house.

Use the right tools.

While a regular electric toothbrush works great, we also recommend a proxy toothbrush to help you more easily clean around your brackets and wires. For flossing, super-flossers help make it easier to get rid of food trapped between your braces and your teeth. For those with heavy plaque buildup, an Airflosser or WaterPik are helpful tools to prevent cavities from forming.

Rinse with mouth wash.

After brushing and flossing, use a mouth wash, if you don’t already. For best results, find one with added fluoride to help strengthen your tooth enamel.

Schedule regular dental checkups.

Even in braces, you should still see the dentist. Continue to schedule your dental checkups every six months or as recommended by your dentist. In some cases, you may need to schedule teeth cleanings more often during orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns about your braces and oral health, contact our office today. We are available to answer any questions you may have!