Dear Patient,

I wanted to review a few important points that we talked about in the office today:

• Clean braces are bright and shiny. Dirty braces are covered with a white, milky film of bacteria called plaque.
• Plaque causes tooth decay, bad breath, swollen gums, and eventual gum disease. As plaque builds up along the gum line, bacterial irritants cause your gum tissues to become red, puffy, sore, and likely to bleed.
• Gums that bleed or swell have not been thoroughly brushed. Brush well between the gums and the braces.
• The best methods for removing plaque are: proper tooth brushing, flossing,  and water-flossing. 

This daily oral hygiene home care program takes time — YOUR time! But, it can also shorten the time you have to wear your braces. 

A Few Reminders:

• Brush after eating. If it is impossible to brush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash.
• Cut down on toothpaste. Too much toothpaste makes the toothbrush bristles limp and unable to clean properly.
• Good brushing and flossing will solve your bleeding and swollen gums problem.
• Dirty Braces can and will ruin your teeth!

Please call if you have any questions or need help.

Sincerely,

Layne K McCord, DMD, MS, MS

Matthew S. McCoy, DDS, MS