The key to healthy teeth and gums is proper plaque removal every day.

Plaque is the sticky colourless film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth.  If it is left to build up, it is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Follow these simple instructions and

The key to healthy teeth and gums is proper plaque removal every day.

be off to a great start:

• Brush your teeth, gums and braces three times a day
  (especially after eating).

• Clean between the teeth at least once daily - and definitely before you go to bed.

• Use a fluoride toothpaste - fluoride is proven to help prevent cavities.

• Use a fluoride mouth rinse at least once daily to help reduce the risk of cavities.

Try to carry your toothbrush and floss with you at all times so that you can clean your teeth even when you are not at home.

How do I clean all areas of my mouth while wearing braces?

At first, doing a good job removing plaque from your teeth and along the gum line may seem difficult with braces.  But keep at it - with a bit of practice it will get easier!

Following these tips will also help:

• First, take off any removable parts like elastic bands and headgear.

• Place your brush at an angle of about 45 degrees to the gum and apply gentle pressure as you brush with a gentle back and forward, up and down, or round and round motion. Clean each tooth individually for about 10 seconds.

• Use the same brushing motion on the inner and outer surface of all teeth.

• Don't forget to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth - and make sure you reach the back teeth too.

• Finish by cleaning around your braces, brushing first from the top and then from the bottom. Brush gently and take care not to bend or break any of the brackets or wires.

How often should I clean my braces?

It is vital that you clean your braces every time you brush your teeth.  Braces can act as a "plaque trap", increasing the amount of plaque on your teeth, which in turn can lead to an increased risk of caries and gum disease.

How do I floss with fixed braces?

Flossing removes the plaque between your teeth and under your gum line - areas beyond the reach of your toothbrush.  In fact, if you don't floss, you're leaving up to 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched and uncleaned.

Choose a threading floss with a stiffened end that threads it through the gap between each tooth - above the wire for your upper teeth and below the wire for your lower teeth.

Curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape and gently move it up and down the side of each tooth, including under the gum line.  Unroll a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Which products are best for braces?

Orthodontic toothbrushes have bristles trimmed in a "V" shape for cleaning above and below the brackets and wire.

Power toothbrushes can remove more plaque than ordinary manual toothbrushes.  Some of the newer ones have brush-heads specifically made for use with braces.

Interdental brushes have very small heads with fine bristles - perfect for cleaning under the wires and between the teeth.  Check with your orthodontist how you should clean around your braces with this type of brush.

Irrigation devices use a pressurised stream of water (or mouth rinse) to clean around the braces and along the gum line. Most have lower settings for sensitive areas.

An orthodontist may recommend using a combination of home care products in your daily routine.

Cleaning a removable appliance (plate)

Take the appliance out of your mouth and clean your teeth in the normal way. Then use your toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the appliance.  Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

Make sure that you gently brush the gum areas which are covered by the appliance including the roof of your mouth if you wear the appliance on your top teeth.

Do I still need to see my regular dentist?

Yes!  Your regular dentist and orthodontist will work together with you to help you do the best job possible in caring for your teeth and gums.

Keep smiling!

Wearing braces requires patience and discipline.  However. the result of treatment can be more than just a healthy smile; often your orthodontist is preventing bigger problems from developing later.

Proper oral care at home is important because it will help keep your treatment time on course and might even help reduce it.  Furthermore, it will contribute to the long-term health of your teeth and gums.

And your reward ... a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!