Patient Education
At Carroll Family Dentistry，we are dedicated to thorough patient education so we can empower you to be active participants in your orthodontic treatment. Knowledgeable patients find more long-term success with their oral health and their total body wellness. Our dentist compiled this patient guide to help you find success with your orthodontic treatment. Our friendly knowledgeable staff is also here to answer any questions you may have about the process.
- Types of Braces
- Oral Hygiene
- Common Problems
- Retainers and Removable Parts
- Parts of Braces
- Maintenance
- Foods to Avoid
- Invisalign FAQ’s
Patient Education: Proper Oral Hygiene
Patient Education: Proper Oral Hygiene
Using a soft bristle toothbrush with toothpaste, move the toothbrush in small circles, angling the toothbrush along the gum line. This technique will reach the nooks and crannies of your teeth and braces, removing debris. Do not forget to brush your chewing surfaces, the inside of your teeth, and your tongue. Since healthy gums should not bleed when brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush, bleeding indicates areas that are inflamed and should be brushed more thoroughly and more often. Finally, remember to massage the gums while you are brushing as well. Patients with braces should keep in mind that they have many more areas to clean and should plan on spending a longer time brushing their teeth. These patients may consider using a proxy brush (the mini toothbrush that looks like a miniature tree) to reach under the wire and in between brackets.
