Within five minutes after you eat. Easy to say but sometimes hard to do? When you’re away from home, we suggest you carry a travel type or folding toothbrush with you.

How

2.  Next, brush correctly above and below the braces.

    A.   Start on the outside of the upper right with bristles of the brush placed above the braces, where the gum and tooth meet. Scrub with a circular motion, two or three teeth at a time using 10 strokes. Then similarly brush below the braces.  Don't rush, slowly work your brush toward the front teeth and over to the left side.

B.   Brush on the inner surfaces of the uppers placing bristles toward the gumline.

D.    Start on the outside of the lower right teeth and repeat this process. Remember, brush above and below the braces. 

3.  Rinse your mouth and toothbrush. LOOK IN A MIRROR to see if you have missed any places. Check the spaces between the braces and gums and the space between the molar tubes and gums. If you see any areas you have missed, clean them now.

When you have finished, the braces and wires should be free of all food particles and the soft white coating (called plaque). The braces and teeth should look clean and shiny.

The oral irrigation or oral hygiene device (water type) can be very helpful but it is to be used AFTER thorough brushing. It is not a substitute for brushing but does remove food particles that the brush cannot reach.

It is recommended to use fluoridated mouth rinse.

Proper flossing is every bit as important as proper brushing, and a habit you'll want to continue even when the braces are off. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and beneath the gum line that brushing cannot.

1. Tear off a piece of floss about 16 inches long. You will soon learn the best length to use.
2. Stick the floss through the floss threader and place the threader between the gums and arch-wire.
3. Pull the floss half-way through and lay the threader aside.
4. Holding the floss on either end, gently "work" it up and down the sides of the teeth and under the gum line.

Repeat the procedure between each tooth, and rinse thoroughly. Flossing while wearing braces is extremely important. A demonstration from the doctor or staff member will clarify which technique is best for you.

In the presence of inflammation, you may experience some discomfort and bleeding. This will go away with continued good oral hygiene.