Adjusting your oral care routine when you have braces means paying special attention to cleaning around brackets, wires, and bands. Keeping your orthodontic appliances spotless is key to preventing plaque buildup, which can lead to gum irritation and cavities if neglected.
Request an AppointmentMastering the right brushing and flossing methods with braces can make all the difference. Everyone finds their own groove, but here are some trusted tips to help you get started:
Brushing
Brushing regularly and correctly is crucial once you have braces. Ideally, brush after every snack to keep plaque at bay. If that’s tough, aim for brushing at least four times daily:
- After breakfast
- After lunch
- After dinner
- Right before bed
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush designed to be gentle on brackets and archwires. Over time, braces can wear down your brush bristles faster, so check and replace them often.
Apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to your brush. Remember, every tooth has multiple surfaces to clean: the front, the sides facing each other, and the chewing surfaces.
When brushing the front surfaces, angle your brush at 45 degrees toward the gum line. Use gentle circular motions moving from top to bottom and bottom to top. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on wires or brackets. For inner surfaces, keep the same 45-degree angle and brush methodically. The back surfaces can be cleaned as usual.
Next, use a proxabrush (sometimes called a Christmas tree brush) to clean between two brackets at a time. Insert it gently and move it up and down until all plaque between your braces is cleared. Finish with a rinse of mouthwash to flush out any lingering bacteria.
Flossing
Flossing might take more time with braces, but it’s just as important. Food particles and plaque can quickly build up, feeding bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay.
You can use floss threaders or the traditional finger-wrapping method. Start by threading floss beneath the archwire. Glide the floss up and down along the tooth’s surface—careful not to damage the braces.
Then, move the floss gently between teeth, using a sawing motion from the gum line down to the tooth’s bottom and back up again. Repeat this several times.
Some mild bleeding during flossing is normal at first and should subside. If it lasts for days, please reach out to your trusted dental care provider.
If you have questions or need guidance on brushing and flossing with braces, don’t hesitate to contact your dental office.