Diet Do's & Don'ts    Brushing    Parts & Braces    Retainers    Rubber Bands

BRUSHING

With your toothbrush (soft bristles only):

When?

After every meal.  If you cannot brush right away, rinse well with water.

1 Use a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste.  Place bristles where gums and teeth meet.

2 Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines, 10 seconds on each tooth.

3 Brush slowly, each arch separately, every tooth.

4 Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down.  Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth too!

FLOSSING

When?

Nightly after brushing.

How?

Use floss threader between gums and braces.

Why?

Removes plaque toothbrush misses.

CONCENTRATE ON THE DANGER ZONE!

... the space between the bands or brackets and the gums!

5 Carefully pull unwaxed floss between wire and braces.  A floss threader may be helpful.

6 Floss carefully around the braces.

7 Floss carefully around the gum area.

8 Floss carefully around each tooth.