Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Brushing your teeth is vital to remove cavity-casing plaque and debris. When wearing braces, the brackets create even more areas that the plaque can stick to and hide, so it is extra important to do a great job brushing. At Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, we want our patients to have the right knowledge for taking excellent care of their oral health. Read on to learn more about brushing and flossing with braces!

Brushing with braces is pretty easy when it comes to brushing the chewing surfaces of the teeth and even above and below the brackets. There are no special instructions for those areas. Just do be sure to brush the tops and bottoms of the brackets, as that is where plaque can collect. The sides of the brackets, however, will require an interdental cleaner to reach. These brushes are little tree-like tools that help you reach underneath the wires. Use these to brush the sides of the brackets so that you can see the edges of them clearly.

Flossing is also important and should be done once per day regardless of if you are wearing braces. Superfloss or floss threaders are a big help with this part of the job. They allow you to get the floss over and under the wires easily and quickly.

In addition to excellent home care, routine visits to your dentist for examinations and cleanings are important, as well. To schedule your appointment with Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call our office at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com.