Cleaning teeth and braces

Braces are very effective 'plaque traps.' Cleaning your teeth and braces thoroughly is very important. If plaque is left to accumulate around your braces and gums then poisons released from the plaque will make your gums swell up. This swelling will slow dawn your treatment and make it uncomfortable. Additionally, leaving plaque around your teeth puts you at a much greater risk of tooth decay. This stains teeth white which is obvious when the braces are removed.

Thorough cleaning is not difficult but is time consuming. It needs to be done 3 times per day. After breakfast, ensure to brush your teeth thoroughly and after lunch you should also brush or at least rinse to remove any food debris. In the evenings you will need to:

> Brush
> Use an interproximal brush
> Floss your teeth
> Rinse with mouth wash

Each of these will be explained to you in more detail when your orthodontic appliances are fitted.