Brushing and flossing are the best way to make sure your smile stays healthy!

Name: Orthodontic Specialists of Lake County
Telephone: 847-223-2876

Maintaining a healthy smile while wearing braces is crucial. Food particles can adhere to teeth and braces, forming plaque over time. This can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and potential tooth loss. To prevent these issues, pay extra attention to your braces, teeth, and gums. Orthodontic treatment demands special care as food accumulates on teeth and appliances, potentially leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Watch out for bleeding and swollen gums as signs of insufficient plaque removal, which can hinder the effectiveness of your treatment. Follow these guidelines for a healthy smile during orthodontic care:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRUSHING WITH BRACES:

Use a soft bristle brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Place the toothbrush where the gums and teeth meet.
Use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines. Ten seconds on each tooth.
Brush slowly, each arch separately, every tooth.
Brush the lower teeth—slanting the toothbrush up, and the upper teeth—slanting the toothbrush down. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth too!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLOSSING WITH BRACES:

Carefully guide dental floss between the brackets and under the wire. A floss threader is helpful.
Floss carefully around the braces.
Floss carefully around the gum area.
Floss carefully around each tooth.

BRUSH…When You Wake Up…After Every Meal…And Before You Go To Bed!