Oral Hygiene Instructions
Excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is essential for healthy teeth and gums and achieving the best results.
Why It's More Important with Braces
More surfaces for food/plaque to stick
Harder to clean around brackets
Risk of white spots (decalcification)
Gum health critical
Prevents cavities
Ensures best treatment outcome
The Complete Cleaning Routine
1
Rinse (30 seconds)
- Swish water vigorously
- Remove loose food particles
- Prepare for brushing
2
Brush (2-3 minutes)
Proper Technique:
- Use soft-bristled toothbrush
- Brush at 45-degree angle
- Brush above brackets
- Brush below brackets
- Brush chewing surfaces
- Brush behind teeth
- Use gentle circular motions
- Don't forget gums
- Brush tongue
Special Attention Areas:
- • Around brackets
- • Under wires
- • Along gumline
- • Back molars
- • Behind front teeth
3
Interdental Cleaning
Proper Technique:
- Gently insert between teeth
- Move in and out several times
- Clean around each bracket
- Use new brush when worn
4
Floss (Once daily, minimum)
With Floss Threader:
- Thread floss under wire
- Floss between teeth
- Curve around each tooth
- Up and down motion
- Move to next space
- Every tooth, every day
Alternative: Floss Picks for Braces:
- • Easier than threading
- • Good for on-the-go
- • Still effective
5
Water Flosser (Recommended)
- Extremely effective with braces
- Use after brushing/flossing
- Removes debris around brackets
- Promotes gum health
- Use daily
6
Fluoride Rinse (Optional but recommended)
- After brushing at night
- Helps prevent white spots
- Strengthens enamel
- Don't eat/drink after
Brushing Frequency
Ideal Schedule
After every meal (ideally)
Minimum: Morning and night
Special Situations
At school: At least rinse or chew sugar-free gum
Before bed: Most thorough cleaning
Recommended Products
Toothbrush
- Soft bristles
- Electric toothbrush highly recommended
- Replace every 3 months
- Orthodontic toothbrush helpful
Floss
- Waxed floss (slides easier)
- Floss threaders
- Orthodontic floss (built-in threader)
- Super floss
Additional Tools
- Proxabrush
- Water flosser (Waterpik)
- Fluoride rinse
- Orthodontic wax
What to Avoid
- ✗Whitening toothpaste
- ✗Hard-bristle brushes
- ✗Overly aggressive brushing
- ✗Skipping flossing
For Invisalign Patients
Aligner Care
Brush aligners with toothbrush
Use cold water
Rinse before reinserting
Clean case regularly
Teeth Cleaning
Brush and floss before reinserting aligners
Never put aligners in over dirty teeth
Traps bacteria and sugar
Standard brushing/flossing when aligners out
Signs of Problems - Call Us If You Notice:
Bleeding gums (more than first week)
Red, swollen gums
White spots on teeth
Bad breath despite cleaning
Loose brackets (get checked)
Pain when brushing
Regular Dental Visits
Continue seeing your dentist every 6 months
Professional cleanings essential
We coordinate with your dentist
Bring orthodontic toothbrush to cleanings
White Spot Prevention
These are early cavities
Caused by poor hygiene
Permanent if not prevented
Brush thoroughly, use fluoride, avoid sugary drinks
Travel Kit
Brush gently with toothbrush
Use cold water (never hot!)
Mild soap or retainer cleaner
Rinse thoroughly
Clean case too
Motivation Tips
Set phone reminders
Make it routine
Before/after photos motivation
Think of the end result
Your smile is worth it!
The Payoff
Perfect oral hygiene during treatment means you’ll have straight, healthy, beautiful teeth when your braces come off—no white spots, no cavities, just an amazing smile!