Brushing and Flossing

When you have braces, it's very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you’re unsure which products are best for your teeth and appliance, we are happy to help you choose the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.

Brushing with Braces

Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You can also use a powered toothbrush to increase your brushing effectiveness.

Position the head of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
Brush the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth using small, gentle, circular motions.
Brush your teeth’s chewing surfaces and the inside surface of your front teeth using short, gentle, back-and-forth motions.
Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets or other appliances.

Brushing with braces - Bettagere Orthodontics

Flossing with Braces

Flossing after every meal will help keep your teeth and braces clean, which will also help keep your treatment time on track. To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire.

Wrap the ends of the floss around your pointer fingers of both hands, leaving a few inches of taut floss between them.
Gently slide the floss between each set of teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
Floss the sides of each tooth beneath the gum line to remove plaque and food particles.
Repeat this process until you’ve flossed all your teeth.
If you find that your floss is not removing all the food particles between your teeth and around your braces, ask us about a water flosser.

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing with Braces

Flossing with Braces

Bettagere Orthodontics: Two Convenient Locations

Anderson Location

Fortville Location

Quick Links

Contact Us