How We Grade Our Patient's Oral Hygiene

Each time our patients come for their orthodontics appointments, our patient managers give them a grade on the brushing and care of their teeth. In an effort to keep our patients and their parents informed and to help our patients keep their   teeth clean, we have put in writing our grading criteria for oral hygiene. We hope this will help each patient in their brushing and flossing routine.


Grade                   Criteria

A                          No plaque
                             No swollen gum tissue
                             Teeth and brackets free from debris

B                          Minimal plaque present
                             No swollen gum tissue

C                          Sent to re-brush the teeth before wires can be removed
                             Moderate plaque present
                             Any swelling of the gum tissues

D                          Sent to brush the teeth before wires can be removed
                             Plaque present
                             Swelling of the gum tissue
                             Signs of decalcification (white marks on teeth)

F(Fail)                  Sent to re-brush the teeth before wires can be removed
                             Food present in brackets and/or teeth
                             Plaque present
                             Swelling of gum tissues
                             Decalcification present