Brushing with Braces

If you have braces, it’s necessary to know that your oral hygiene is more important than ever. That’s because braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and inadequate cleaning while wearing braces can cause enamel staining and tooth decay around brackets or bands. At Cadena Dentistry we can’t stand behind you to monitor how you brush, but we can provide you with the following routine that will help make daily brushing and flossing both simple and effective.

• Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.


• Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.


• Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

Last but not least, don’t forget to floss in between brackets!

If you have questions about your orthodontic oral care routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the office, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.