How important is toothbrushing when braces are on the teeth?
Proper toothbrushing is very important during orthodontic treatment! Patients will be evaluated at each appointment to let you know how well you are doing in this area. The grading scale we will use will be Good, Fair, and Poor. Good means that the teeth, brackets, and bands present a brilliant shine and are free from plaque or food. The gums are pink in color and look very healthy. Fair means that the teeth, brackets, and bands present a dull appearance and have areas of plaque or food. The gums have a red tone and are somewhat inflamed or swollen, and are not healthy. Poor means that the teeth, brackets, and bands present a dull appearance and have many areas of plaque and food. The gums are very inflamed, swollen, and are not healthy. Should my child wear a mouthgard while playing sports? All of our patients are strongly urged and expected to wear mouthguards when playing sports such as football, hockey, baseball, softball, etc. We will provide a mouthguard during treatment. If an a
