Patients wearing braces need to be very vigilant when it comes to keeping their braces, teeth and gums clean. By following our instructions on oral hygiene and by avoiding certain foods, you can maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Remember plaque is the enemy. If plaque is left on your teeth and/or around your braces, you can develop swollen gums, bad breath, scarred & discolored teeth, and even cavities.
You should brush after each meal and before bed. At the least you must brush after breakfast and before bed.
Flossing is the best way to remove plaque from the side surfaces of your teeth. Swelling of the gum tissue can be prevented and reversed by daily flossing and tooth-brush stimulation. Please note that swollen gums act as a barrier to tooth movement and will slow your orthodontic progress. Some orthodontic movements are impossible to achieve when the gums are inflamed.