Brushing

• Brushing is very important, especially with braces
• Your teeth were cleaned before braces were placed on with a special toothpaste that removes all bacteria and plaque
• The area under your braces will remain clean and protected by the brackets
• Your job is to keep everything around them just as clean for the duration of your treatment
• You should brush your teeth AT LEAST after every meal – 3 times a day, 2 minutes each time
• If you do not take proper care of your teeth during treatment you will be left with permanent white marks (decalcifications) on your teeth that do not go away. The white marks may eventually become cavities.
• If your gums become puffy and swollen, it will make your regular adjustments and brushing uncomfortable, brackets will break more easily, and the progress of your treatment will slow down. Continue to brush your gums in circular motions. You may also want to brush your gums with mouthwash daily to shrink them
• At least once each day, spend a few moments with a mirror checking the appliances to make sure that they are thoroughly clean and in good shape.