Mastering the JAD Technique: Brushing Tips from Dr. Song

Hi everyone!

It’s Dr. Sally Song from The Orthodontic Center of Wayne, and today I want to share a brushing technique we highly recommend for all our patients, especially those with braces. It’s called the JAD technique, which stands for Jiggle, Angle, Dig. This method helps keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout orthodontic treatment and makes sure no plaque is left behind!

J is for Jiggle

Start by gently jiggling your toothbrush along the gumline using small, quick motions. You don’t need to scrub hard—in fact, scrubbing too aggressively can hurt your gums. Instead, use firm but gentle pressure and focus on those tiny back-and-forth movements to loosen plaque.

A is for Angle

Next, angle your toothbrush bristles toward the gumline. This helps the bristles sweep under the gums, where plaque often hides.
If you have braces, you’ll want to take this step a bit further! Angle your toothbrush under the wire as well. This helps remove any buildup between the brackets and wire. I often see a faint line of plaque along or underneath the wire, and that’s a clear sign that area is being missed. Angling your brush makes all the difference!

D is for Dig

Lastly, “dig” into all the corners around each bracket, in between the braces, and along the gumline. Take a few extra moments to clean every little space where plaque can hide.

Why Is Good Brushing So Important?

If you don’t brush well, especially with braces, you’re not just risking bad breath. Here’s what can happen with poor oral hygiene:

• Cavities: Plaque buildup leads to tooth decay, which can create cavities that may delay treatment or require dental work.

• White Spot Lesions: These are permanent marks that can appear around brackets when plaque sits too long on the enamel.

• Gum Inflammation (Gingivitis): Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are early signs of gum disease.

• Staining: Plaque and food debris can discolor your teeth, making them look yellow or uneven when braces come off.

• Bad Breath: Bacteria buildup causes unpleasant odors that brushing and flossing can prevent.

Bonus Tip: Use a Waterpik!

For an even deeper clean, I highly recommend using a Waterpik toothbrush. It’s incredibly effective at flushing out plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas (especially around brackets and under wires).

The Bottom Line:

Brushing with braces takes a little extra effort, but using the JAD technique: Jiggle, Angle, Dig makes a huge difference. Keeping your mouth clean will protect your teeth during treatment and help reveal a bright, healthy smile when your braces come off.

Have questions or want a brushing demo? Don’t hesitate to ask us during your next visit. Happy brushing, and hope to see you soon!

– Dr. Sally Song
The Orthodontic Center of Wayne