Routine Care

Steps to Successful Brushing & Flossing

Brushing with Your Toothbrush (use soft bristles only)

• When? After every meal. Rinse mouth with water if you can't brush right away

Flossing

• When? Nightly after brushing
• How? Use floss threader between gums and braces
• Why? Removes plaque that toothbrush misses

Concentrate on spaces between the gums, bands, and brackets!

1. Use dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Place bristles where gums and teeth meet.
2. Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum line 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.
5. Carefully pull unwaxed floss between wire and braces. A floss threader may be helpful.
6. Floss carefully around braces.
7. Floss carefully around gum area.
8. Floss carefully around each tooth.