Written by our Team: Here at Dr Thomas’ office, we are dedicated in providing our patients with the very best tools and training for achieving exceptional oral hygiene while wearing Damon Braces. Did you know that before you even come in for your initial exam appointment with us, we have already contacted your dentist to see when you had your last cleaning appointment and if you have any pending work still needed to complete (for example cavities)? We work closely with your dentist during the duration of your orthodontic treatment. At your bonding appointment (when your braces are put on), we go over detailed cleaning instructions and give you a hygiene kit. This kit comes with a traveling case to keep it organized. Our hygiene kit includes a dual headed toothbrush, travel toothbrush, 15 yard mint flavor floss, 3 minute sand timer (you should be brushing 3 minutes each arch), dental floss threaders, orthodontic wax, and a mouth mirror. Poor Brushing can cause permanent damage to your teeth & we want to make sure this does not happen. Proper brushing helps keep teeth clean and healthy. To brush your teeth properly you must brush under, above, behind, and around all surfaces of every tooth and bracket. Remember to brush the inside and the outside of both the top and bottom gums. Make sure to check after rinsing, and if your teeth and brackets are not clean and shining…..brush them again. Lastly, remember to floss carefully around each tooth. This process is more time consuming than without braces but if done regularly will help keep your teeth healthy. Only floss the ones you want to keep Happy New Year Toothfully yours, Dr. Thomas and Team