Extra time is needed with toothbrushing to make sure that all areas around the braces have been cleaned properly. Specialized brush tips are available to help get in between the braces and under the wires. Floss-threaders are helpful in passing floss under archwires to facilitate flossing of the teeth. Oral irrigators are often helpful to dislodge food debris from around the teeth. Over-the-counter mouth rinses can be used in conjunction with oral irrigators to help reduce the level of bacteria around the teeth.
Extra time is needed with toothbrushing | | 
Specialized brush tips help get in between braces and under wires |
The goal is to remove plaque from around the teeth and gums. It is the bacteria in plaque that is responsible for causing inflamed gum tissue (gingivitis) (see photo below), permanent scarring of enamel (decalcification) (see photo below), as well as tooth decay. Remember, braces don’t cause these problems, they just make cleaning the teeth more difficult.
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Note the reddened areas of gum where the gum meets the teeth. This is gingivitis.
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Note the white decalcification spots on these teeth.
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Avoiding hard, sticky, crunchy and chewy foods will also keep your braces intact and help to make your treatment flow smoothly.
