Brushing and Flossing Instructions
Oral Hygiene Tips from your Local Seattle Orthodontist
Dr. Jorge Peralta provides all of his Burien and Seattle, Washington orthodontic patients with the knowledge to care for both their orthodontic appliances, including braces and Invisalign, and their overall oral health. Please use the following diagram and instructions to care for your orthodontic appliances and teeth by properly brushing and flossing at home.
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Brushing: Step 1
Using a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste place bristles where gums and teeth meet.
Brushing: Step 2
For 10 seconds on each tooth use circular, vibrating motions around the gum lines.
Brushing: Step 3
Every tooth of both arches should be brushed slowly.
Brushing: Step 4
Brush the lower teeth from the gum line up and the upper teeth from the gum line down. Brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue too!
Flossing: Step 1
Carefully thread unwaxed floss between braces and wire. You may find a floss threader helpful.
Flossing: Step 2
Carefully floss around the braces.
Flossing: Step 3
Carefully floss around the gum areas.
Flossing: Step 4
Carefully floss around each tooth.
Brushing Tips & Instructions
Brushing your teeth is the most fundamental and important way to maintain optimum oral health. Here are the steps to properly brush your teeth with orthodontics.
- Using a toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste, place the bristles where the gums and teeth meet.
- Using circular, vibrating motions, brush each tooth for 10 seconds.
- Remember; brush slowly and gently for each tooth on both upper and lower arches.
- It’s important to brush away from your gum line to remove plaque and bacteria. Also, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth!
Flossing Tips & Instructions
Flossing is essential to maintain gum health and fight periodontal disease. It becomes even more important when you have braces and orthodontic appliances, which can trap food particles and cause bacteria build-up. Here are the best flossing methods.
- Using a floss threader, which we can provide for you, carefully thread floss between your braces and wire.
- Carefully floss around your braces and between your teeth, getting to the gums.
- It’s important to be gentle when flossing around the gums, so take your time and go slow, not applying too much pressure.
- Repeat this process around each tooth for the upper and lower arches.
- Feel free to do this while watching TV or reading!
Contact Us Today
If you have any other questions or concerns about how to brush and floss with braces or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Peralta’s Seattle orthodontic office. Our friendly team members are here to help and answer any questions you may have.