Oral Hygiene
By far the most important responsibility of a patient is to maintain good oral hygiene. Poor hygiene can lead to cavities, permanent stains on the teeth, and gum disease. These are all a result of actions of the bacteria in plaque. Time and attention are required to keep teeth and braces clean. In our office, we will demonstrate the proper brushing and flossing techniques while wearing braces.
We recommend brushing teeth 3 times a day, after meals. Night time is the most important time to keep the teeth clean, and we recommend also using a proxy brush and floss at this time. Proxy brushes help to clean between braces, and floss helps to clean between the teeth and gums where a toothbrush cannot reach.
