The importance of oral care is heightened when braces are applied to the teeth. This is because there are more spaces and places for food to get trapped. When food isn’t adequately brushed away, plaque will begin to accrue on enamel and can potentially cause periodontal disease for the patient. Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS and staff can’t monitor how much you brush, but we trust patients to follow this technique while aiming to brush at least twice a day.
- Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.
- Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.
- Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.
If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810.
