Tips & Tricks From Your Local Nashua, NH Orthodontists
At Orthodontic Associates of New England, our number one priority is making our patients’ smiles as healthy and beautiful as possible… and patient education is vital. What happens outside the office is just as important – and one of the best ways to achieve a healthy smile is through a strong oral hygiene routine of daily brushing and flossing.
Review this video for an overview of best oral hygiene practices. We go into brushing and flossing detail in the paragraphs below!
Brushing
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small strip of fluoridated toothpaste, move your brush in small, circular motions across your tooth surface. Hold the brush at an angle – up on the lower teeth and down on the upper teeth – and be sure to cover every area of the teeth, including between your braces. Thoroughly brushing your teeth should take several minutes. Before you finish, brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue, and then rinse your mouth out with water.
We recommend brushing at least four times daily during treatment – in the morning, after lunch, after dinner, and before bed. This helps protect your teeth and braces from corrosive acids and dangerous bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Additionally, keep an eye to the wear on your brush’s bristles – you may need to replace your toothbrush more frequently during treatment than non-brace brushers!
Flossing
Flossing is just as important as brushing, and there’s no substitute for it. In fact, without flossing, you are leaving 30% of tooth surface untouched!
We will provide you with a reusable floss threader to floss under your wires. To use it, simply pull a small length of floss through the threader and slide it up and down the front of each tooth, first cleaning the space between your wire and braces. Next, you will need to floss between your teeth and down along the gum line. Fit the threaded floss under your wire, using your hands to guide it gently between the teeth.
You will need to floss once a day, preferably every night so your teeth are clean when you go to bed. Your gums may bleed at first, but this is normal. If bleeding persists, let us know at your next appointment.
Contact Your Nashua Orthodontists Today!
Have more questions about oral hygiene? We at Orthodontic Associates of New England are here to help. Feel free to reach out to us at our contact page to schedule an appointment at our Nashua, NH office. We are also available over the phone at (603) 882-2101. We are excited to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you keep your teeth healthy and clean!