Oral Hygiene

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FYI: We have video content on this page, please click on the play button (in the center of the video thumbnail below) to start video.

Brushing Techniques with Braces

Brushing with Proxabrush

 A daily hygiene program is essential to every patient’s oral health and to maintaining your incredible smile. We know how hard it can be to clean around braces. The above Dolphin Imaging animations demonstrate the correct brushing technique and the use of a proxabrush, be sure to view them as these techniques are essential to good hygiene.

 Decalcification Orthodontics


The animation above depicts decalcification resulting from improper oral hygiene and poor nutrition during orthodontic treatment. Decalcification is a white area where enamel has been irreversibly damaged. Don’t let this happen to you. Please follow the recommendations below and you will finish braces with a beautiful smile.
“WHITE SPOT” WARNING:   Remember that braces do not cause enamel decalcification (“white spots”). Excellent oral hygiene (i.e. brushing well), avoiding sugary foods and soft drinks will keep you from developing white spots on your teeth.  Remember that you must pay special attention to brushing under the wire and next to your gums. Do not stop if your gums bleed when brushing. This is a sign of gingivitis and indicates that you need to brush in these areas. Over time as you consistently brush, your gums will change from a puffy red color to a healthy pink.

Taking Care of Your Teeth

Dentists have made great strides in dental health over the past decades. Now, with proper dental care, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Tooth decay is the second most common disease in America, second only to the common cold. Most of this tooth decay can be avoided by exercising some simple daily preventative dental hygiene habits.

Here are a few quick tips to keeping your teeth and gums healthy:

  • Carbonated drinks are very acidic. They should be avoided during orthodontic treatment. Serious problems with white spots may occur and result in permanent scarring of the enamel.

  • Brush your teeth daily to remove bacterial plaque, the cause of tooth decay. Check out the latest Sonicare Toothbrush. Be sure to talk to our staff about purchasing one.
  • Avoid foods high in sugars and carbohydrates, which allow bacteria to reproduce and create enamel-eating acids.
  • Limit between-meal snacks and stop drinking soft drinks on a daily basis. Your mouth needs sufficient time between meals to neutralize acids. So avoid sipping large carbonated drinks over an extended period of time.
  • Use fluoride regularly through drinking water and toothpaste to strengthen your enamel and prepare against acid attacks.
  • Visit your dentist at least twice a year! Dentists can spot potential problems before they wreak havoc on your teeth and mouth.
  • Floss daily to reach the 35 percent of your mouth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
  • Brush your gums carefully to avoid unnecessary swelling and bleeding. Use a baking soda and peroxide toothpaste if your gum tissues develop a problem.

Hygiene… an important part of getting your perfect smile.

Orthodontic Hygiene Incentive Program Certificate

Twice a year, you may receive 10 orthobucks for having your teeth cleaned by your hygienist.  Have them sign this form and you may return it to us at your next scheduled appointment to redeem your orthobucks.

We encourage you to ask questions of Dr. Buck, Dr. Johnston and our team about how to keep your teeth clean and healthy during treatment. Your hygiene directly affects your final result! When you keep your mouth healthy, you are doing your part to create the smile you’ve always wanted.