General dental care
During your orthodontic treatment, it is essential to keep your regular appointments with your dentist every six months. Proper cleaning and oral care is more important than ever when undergoing braces or aligner treatment. Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth in top shape.
Brushing and flossing tips
- We recommend a toothbrush with soft, flat, trimmed bristles and a small head. This enables you to clean the hard to reach places and stimulates your gums.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth should take 3 to 5 minutes.
- Brush your teeth in front of a mirror.
- Brush at least twice daily. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating breakfast and dinner before brushing.
- Choose a trusted brand of toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride combined with your saliva`s minerals will toughen your tooth enamel and help stop decay.
- Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. If you are only flossing once daily, you should floss your teeth before bed.
- If your gums bleed or become sore during flossing or brushing it usually means you have not been cleaning the area properly and plaque build-up may have inflamed the area. Continue to brush these areas and the bleeding and soreness will gradually improve. If symptoms persist, please consult your dentist.
How to brush your teeth correctly
- After flossing, wet your toothbrush and place a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste onto your brush. When brushing, keep your mouth slightly open.
- Start brushing the outside surface of your upper molars by placing the brush at a 45 degree angle aiming the bristles half on the gum and half on your teeth. The line where your teeth and gums meet is the most popular place for bacteria and plaque to hide. Use a short circular motion to brush along and between your teeth. Make sure the whole surface has been cleaned.
- Gradually make your way around to the other side and repeat for the lower teeth.
- Repeat this process with the biting surfaces of your teeth using the same circular motion. Take care to get in any crevices.
- Brush the inside surface of your molars with the same circular motion as the outside. Brushing the inner surfaces of the front teeth is best done with the tip of the toothbrush held vertically.
- Spit out all the excess fluid and toothpaste in your mouth and do not rinse.
Looking for more tips for healthy teeth?
Contact us or your general dentist to make sure you are doing all you can to help your teeth last a lifetime.