Brushing and Flossing

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, located in La Jolla and San Diego, CA, we prioritize the oral health of our patients, especially those undergoing orthodontic treatment. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Natalie Lam, we understand that maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial during this time. Brushing and flossing with braces or other orthodontic appliances can be more challenging, but it is essential for ensuring a healthy smile throughout your treatment journey.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about brushing and flossing during orthodontic treatments, including techniques, tips, and tools to make the process easier. With the right knowledge and habits, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while enjoying the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

Why Oral Hygiene is Crucial During Orthodontic Treatment in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch

When you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, food particles can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, leading to plaque buildup. If plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene, it can lead to several issues, including:

• Tooth decay: The acids produced by bacteria in plaque can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
• Gum disease: Plaque buildup can cause inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
• White spots: Decalcification can occur around brackets if plaque is not removed, resulting in white spots on teeth once braces are removed.
• Delayed treatment: Poor oral hygiene can lead to complications that may prolong your orthodontic treatment period.

By prioritizing brushing and flossing during your orthodontic treatment, you can help prevent these issues and ensure a successful outcome.

The Basics of Brushing With Braces

Choosing the Right Tools

To effectively brush your teeth during orthodontic treatment, you’ll need the right tools. Here are some essentials:

1. Soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your teeth and gums while effectively cleaning around brackets and wires.
2. Orthodontic toothbrush: These toothbrushes have special features like a V-shaped head or shorter bristles that allow for easier cleaning around brackets.
3. Fluoride toothpaste: Choose a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.
4. Interdental brushes: These small brushes can help clean between brackets and wires, reaching areas that a regular toothbrush may miss.
5. Electric toothbrush (optional): Many patients find electric toothbrushes easier to use, as they can provide more consistent brushing power and may help improve plaque removal. Contact us to learn more.

Proper Brushing Technique

Here’s a step-by-step guide to brushing your teeth with braces:

1. Rinse your mouth: Before brushing, rinse your mouth with water to loosen any food particles.
2. Position the toothbrush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. This angle helps to clean both your teeth and the brackets effectively.
3. Brush the brackets: Start by brushing the front surfaces of the brackets. Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging the brackets.
4. Brush the teeth: Next, focus on brushing the actual teeth. Use small, circular motions to clean each tooth thoroughly.
5. Clean the back of the teeth: Don’t forget to brush the back surfaces of your teeth, as plaque can accumulate there as well.
6. Brush the chewing surfaces: Use a back-and-forth motion to clean the chewing surfaces of your molars.
7. Use interdental brushes: After brushing, use interdental brushes to clean between the brackets and wires. This step helps remove any remaining plaque and food particles.
8. Final rinse: Rinse your mouth again to remove any debris and toothpaste residue.

Recommended Brushing Frequency

• Brush after every meal: To keep your mouth clean and minimize plaque buildup, aim to brush your teeth after every meal and snack.
• Brush before bed: It’s especially important to brush your teeth thoroughly before bedtime to remove food particles and plaque from the day.

Flossing With Braces: A Key to Complete Oral Hygiene

Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the gum line. With braces, food can easily get trapped in areas that your toothbrush may not reach. Flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease, making it an essential part of your oral hygiene routine during orthodontic treatment.

Choosing the Right Flossing Tools

When you have braces, traditional flossing may be more difficult. Here are some tools that can make flossing easier:

1. Orthodontic floss: This floss is specially designed to slide easily between teeth and around braces. It is typically thicker and more durable than standard dental floss.
2. Floss threader: A floss threader is a handy tool that helps you thread the floss behind the wires of your braces. It resembles a needle with a loop for the floss.
3. Water flosser: A water flosser uses a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and debris from between teeth and around braces. While not a replacement for traditional flossing, it can be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine.

Flossing Technique

Here’s how to effectively floss with braces:

1. Cut a length of floss: Cut about 18 to 24 inches of orthodontic floss. If using a floss threader, thread the floss through the needle.
2. Insert the floss: Use the floss threader to guide the floss behind the wire of the braces and between your teeth.
3. Wrap the floss: Wrap the ends of the floss around your index fingers for better control.
4. Gently slide the floss: Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it around the base of each tooth to clean beneath the gum line. Avoid snapping the floss to prevent damaging the gums.
5. Use a clean section of floss: Move to a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid redistributing plaque.
6. Repeat: Continue this process for each tooth, making sure to floss around each bracket and wire.

Recommended Flossing Frequency

Floss once a day: Aim to floss at least once a day, preferably before bed, to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Tips for Successful Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch

Create a Routine

Establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Here are some tips from our orthodontist in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch to help you create a successful routine:

1. Set reminders: Use your phone or a planner to set reminders for brushing and flossing, especially after meals and before bed.
2. Keep supplies accessible: Store your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and other oral hygiene tools in a convenient location, such as your bathroom or a travel kit, so you can easily access them.
3. Track progress: Consider using a checklist or chart to track your daily brushing and flossing. This visual reminder can help reinforce the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Educate Your Family

If you have children undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to educate them about the importance of oral hygiene. Here are some tips for encouraging good habits:

1. Lead by example: Show your children the importance of brushing and flossing by practicing good oral hygiene yourself.
2. Make it fun: Turn brushing and flossing into a fun activity by playing music or setting a timer for a brushing challenge. You can also use colorful toothbrushes and floss to make the process more engaging.
3. Involve them in the process: Allow your children to choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. Also, let them help with setting up their oral hygiene routine.

Communicate With Dr. Lam

Regular communication with Dr. Natalie Lam and her team is essential during your orthodontic treatment. If you have any concerns about your oral hygiene routine, don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Lam can provide personalized recommendations and adjustments to your care plan as needed.

Managing Common Challenges

Dealing With Soreness and Discomfort

It’s common to experience soreness or discomfort after getting braces or during adjustments. If you find it painful to brush or floss, consider the following tips:

1. Use a softer toothbrush: If your gums are sensitive, switch to a softer toothbrush to minimize discomfort.
2. Rinse with warm salt water: Rinsing with warm salt water can help soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation.
3. Use orthodontic wax: Applying orthodontic wax to any brackets causing irritation can provide relief.

Troubleshooting Broken Brackets or Wires

If a bracket or wire breaks, it can affect your ability to maintain proper oral hygiene. Here’s what to do:

1. Contact Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics: Reach out to our office to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.
2. Avoid DIY fixes: Do not attempt to fix broken brackets or wires on your own, as this can lead to complications.

Staying Motivated

Maintaining motivation during orthodontic treatment can be challenging, especially when it comes to oral hygiene. Here are some tips to stay motivated:

1. Visualize the end result: Keep a photo of your desired smile as a reminder of your goal.
2. Reward yourself: Set small milestones, such as completing a week of consistent brushing and flossing, and reward yourself with a small treat or activity.
3. Join a support group: Consider joining a support group or online forum for individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment. Sharing experiences and tips can provide encouragement and motivation.

Conclusion

Brushing and flossing during orthodontic treatment are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Natalie Lam and her team are dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful smile while ensuring your oral health remains a top priority. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage your oral hygiene routine and enjoy the benefits of your orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions or need personalized guidance regarding brushing and flossing with braces, contact our offices in La Jolla and San Diego. Together, we can ensure that your journey to a healthy, confident smile is a successful one! 

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are committed to providing gentle, expert dental care. With two convenient locations at 875 Prospect St #202, La Jolla, CA 92037, and 10549 Scripps Poway Pkwy Suite E, San Diego, CA 92131, we make it easy to schedule an appointment that fits your family's busy lifestyle. Call us today at (858) 551-9700 for our La Jolla office or (858) 271-4200 for our San Diego location to book your next visit!