Taking Care of Your Braces Flashcards
7 cards from real Dental practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Taking Care of Your Braces flashcards as text
Which type of toothbrush is generally best for cleaning around brackets and wires?
Answer: A soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush
Soft-bristled or specialized orthodontic brushes clean effectively without damaging brackets or irritating gums.
How often should you brush your teeth while wearing braces?
Answer: After every meal and snack when possible
Food traps easily in braces, so brushing after meals helps prevent plaque buildup and decay.
What tool is specifically designed to clean between the wire and the tooth?
Answer: An interdental (proxy) brush
Interdental or proxy brushes fit into tight spaces around wires and brackets that a regular brush misses.
Why is flossing still important when you have braces?
Answer: It removes plaque and food the brush cannot reach
Flossing reaches between teeth and along the gumline where toothbrushes and food debris remain trapped.
What device helps thread floss under the archwire more easily?
Answer: A floss threader or orthodontic floss
Floss threaders and stiff-ended orthodontic floss are made to pass floss beneath the archwire.
Roughly how long should you spend brushing when you have braces?
Answer: At least 2 minutes
Brushing for at least two minutes ensures all surfaces around the brackets get cleaned thoroughly.
Why can a fluoride mouth rinse be especially helpful during orthodontic treatment?
Answer: It helps strengthen enamel and prevent white spots around brackets
Fluoride rinses strengthen enamel and help prevent the white spot lesions that can form around brackets.