Once you have your orthodontic appliances or braces in place, keeping you teeth, gums and appliances clean is very important. Braces, wires, bands and retainers can all trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Careful brushing and flossing, preferably after every meal and snack, is the best way to prevent plaque build up, tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing
Step 1 Start with the outside of the teeth, with the brush at a straight angle. Use circular, vibrating motions.

Step 2 Clean the area between the gums and braces by angling the toothbrush down (up for the lower jaw). Keep moving in a small circular motion.

Step 3 Clean the rest of the outside teeth by angling the brush up (down for the lower jaw).

Step 4 Carefully brush the chewing surface of both the upper and lower jaw.

Step 5 Finish by brushing the inside of the teeth

Flossing

Step 1 Floss at least once a day. The floss needs to be pulled under the archwire (a floss threader facilitates this). Start by pulling the floss through the threader.

Step 2 Push the end of the threader under the archwire and pull the floss through.

Step 3 Pull the floss up between the teeth, and gently move it up and down the side of both teeth.

Step 4 Pull the floss out and use a different section of it for the next tooth.

Rinsing
When you are finished brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth out carefully with water or a mouth rinse.

Interprox Toothbrush
An interprox toothbrush is another aid you might find useful to keep your teeth, braces and gums clean and healthy. It can be used to clean under archwires and around braces. Use this device slowly and carefully so you do not damage your braces.