Dental Care
Proper Brushing
A good regimen is to brush when you get up in the morning and when you go to bed.
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Start on the outside of the upper teeth. With bristles angled at 45 degrees, brush in a circular motion, two or three teeth at a time for about 10 strokes; then move on.
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Brush the same way on the inner surfaces.
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Brush the chewing surfaces last.
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Then start on the outside of the lower teeth and repeat the process.
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Rinse your mouth and your toothbrush. Check in a mirror to see if you missed any places.
Dental care when you have Braces
Braces tend to trap food and bacteria (plaque) on teeth. Unless this plaque is removed, damage to teeth and gums can occur. Therefore, the following tooth brushing instructions should be carefully followed.
When to Brush
A good regimen is to brush when you get up in the morning, within five minutes after you eat (each time) and when you go to bed.
How to Brush
First brush back and forth between the wires and gums (both upper and lower) to loosen food particles.
Next, brush correctly as if you had no braces (see Proper Brushing above). Double check the spaces of the teeth between the bands and gums and between molar tubes or bands and gums to make sure they are clean and free of debris. You should have brushed all 4 sides of each bracket.
When you have finished, the brackets, bands and wires should be free of all food particles. Your braces should be clean and shiny.
Mouthwash
A daily fluoride rinse/mouthwash is highly recommended.
Diet and eating Habits
A well balanced dies. minimizing sweets and sugared beverages is important. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods should not be eaten to avoid damaging your braces.
Dental Information
Below you will find a wide array of interesting and educational links that we feel will benefit your understanding
and knowledge of your dental health.
Dental Information
Oral Health Center (WebMD)
Oral and Dental Health Resource Center (Colgate)
Oral-B (for Kids)
Dental Associations