Some facts about dental hygiene and orthodontics:

Orthodontic braces themselves do not cause tooth decay, decalcification or gum disease but can help retain food particles and plaque.

• Caries and decalcification spots are due to the action of bacteria in the dental plaque that accumulates on the tooth surfaces.
• Unless these debris are completely removed, problems such as decalcification or discoloration of the teeth and gum infections may arise.
• Decalcification spots, which appear as white spots on teeth, can progress to become caries if oral hygiene is not improved.
• Although some variation may exist in individual susceptibility to decay, the best way to prevent cavities and stains on the teeth is to clean them properly according to the instructions given to you.
• After installing the “braces”, we will give and demonstrate very specific hygiene and brushing instructions and provide you with different types of toothbrushes. You will have all the necessary tools to have an impeccable oral hygiene!
• We recommend and urge you to continue your regular dental visits and cleanings during your orthodontic treatment.

No matter with what care and attention we clean and prepare your teeth before putting the braces on, only proper and regular oral hygiene on your part will keep them clean. We correct the position of your teeth but the maintenance of your teeth and appliances is your responsibility! Brush well, have good hygiene, and you can participate in our oral hygiene contests and win prizes!

Bacteria in dental plaque adhere to tooth surfaces and can cause tooth decay.

Oral hygiene and brushing techniques

The teeth should be brushed thoroughly after each meal or snack.

• A good brushing technique requires time and practice (a good brushing session should be about 2 minutes).
• We recommend using a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles that are less damaging to the gum.
• Although there are “orthodontic” toothbrushes, any soft brush that is small enough may be adequate.
• It is important to brush with enough pressure to feel the bristles in contact with the gum tissues.
• In some cases, using an electric toothbrush can be an asset. Several models exist on the market but some are more effective than others.
• Ask our staff if you want to try a Sonicare or learn more about ultrasonic or electric toothbrushes.
• The foundation of good dental hygiene is proper tooth brushing but we also encourage you to floss.
• Flossing: It’s harder to floss with braces but we can provide you with threaders and auxiliaries which may facilitate this task.
• Small brush: we will give you small orthodontic brushes made specifically for cleaning areas between the braces and under the wires (Proxabrush).
• If your gums are sensitive or bleed easily during brushing, notify us so that we can assess the cause.

Remember… It is not necessary to brush all your teeth … only those you want to keep!

There are two main reasons why most people have dental hygiene problems, whether or not they have braces: Poor technique: their brushing technique is deficient or inadequate.

• They brush long enough (brushing time) but they do not reach to critical areas on the edge of the gums, behind the wires and around the brackets, to remove plaque and food debris.
• It is important to have the bristles contact gently the gums to “massage” them during brushing.
• Make slight twisting, rotative motions on all tooth surfaces.
• Use a vertical motion of the brush head from the gums toward the teeth.
• Do not brush horizontally with a back and forth motion to minimize the chances of tooth and gum wear.
• It is better and less damaging to the gums and teeth to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• When in doubt, use a smaller brush head rather than one that is too big.
• Electric toothbrushes can be used but the same basic principles applies (access to areas of plaque accumulation and duration of brushing)

Duration of brushing too short

• In certain cases, the brushing technique is adequate but the brushing time is too short to “go around” all the teeth!
• Most experts agree that a proper brushing session should last at least 2 minutes.

If you have good brushing technique and you brush long enough, you will minimize the chances of having decalcification problems and dental caries.