Having braces can make brushing and flossing more difficult, but good oral hygiene is extremely important when you have orthodontic appliances. Proper brushing and flossing will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, decalcification, and bad breath. With some extra care and the right techniques, you can keep your teeth clean and your braces free of plaque.
Why is oral hygiene important with braces?
When you have braces, plaque and bacteria can build up more quickly around the brackets and wires. Food particles also get trapped easily in braces. Without proper brushing and flossing, this bacteria can lead to:
- Tooth decay – Plaque buildup can cause decalcification and cavities around orthodontic brackets.
- Gum disease – Inflammation, bleeding, and gingivitis.
- Discolored teeth – Braces can cause yellowing or white spots on teeth if plaque is not removed.
- Bad breath – Bacteria growth in the mouth causes halitosis.
Fortunately, by brushing thoroughly and flossing daily, you can prevent these oral health issues and keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces.
How should I brush with braces?
Brushing effectively with braces takes a little more time and effort than normal brushing. Here are some tips for how to brush properly when you have braces:
Use the right toothbrush
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush labeled “orthodontic” or “braces.” The bristles should be extra soft so they do not damage the brackets or wires. The brush head should also be small and compact in order to maneuver around orthodontic hardware.
Brush after every meal
Be diligent about brushing after every time you eat. Any food particles left in your braces provide fuel for plaque production. Get into the habit of brushing after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and any other time you consume snacks.
Brush for 2-3 minutes
Take your time brushing, spending at least 2-3 minutes each time. Go through all areas of the mouth methodically. Set a timer if needed to ensure you brush for long enough.
Use fluoridated toothpaste
Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents decay. Use a fluoride toothpaste approved by your orthodontist or dentist.
Brush brackets, wires, and teeth
Point the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle towards your gums. Gently brush each bracket, arch wire, and tooth surface. Scrub the spots where plaque hides like between the bracket and gums.
Focus on gumline and hard-to-reach spots
Pay close attention to areas around orthodontic hardware and between teeth. Use bristles to clean the gumline and get underneath each bracket.
Brush tongue, roof of mouth, and cheeks
Don’t forget to brush your tongue, palate, sides of the mouth, and inner cheek area. This removes extra bacteria.
Rinse thoroughly
When finished, rinse your mouth well with water to wash away any remaining toothpaste and debris.
What type of toothbrush should I use?
Look for these features in an optimal braces toothbrush:
| Toothbrush Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Soft bristles | Avoids damage to orthodontic appliances. |
| Compact head | Maneuvers around brackets and wires. |
| Orthodontic or Braces label | Designed specifically for braces cleaning. |
| Angled bristles | Reaches all surfaces around brackets. |
| Interdental bristles | Cleans between teeth and under wires. |
| Electric brush | Rotating heads provide thorough cleaning. |
What brushing techniques should I use?
In addition to using the right toothbrush, employing proper technique is key to cleaning braces effectively. Here are some techniques to use as you brush:
Bass technique
Use gentle gumline vibrations by holding bristles at a 45-degree angle and moving the brush back and forth in short strokes.
Circular scrubbing
Make tiny circles with the toothbrush around each bracket, wire, and tooth to scrub all sides.
Up & down brushing
Hold bristles vertically and use up-and-down motions to brush bracket surfaces above and below the archwire.
Rotary brushing
Rotate the brush head gently but thoroughly from one tooth to the next.
Side-to-side scrubbing
Scrub surfaces where plaque hides by angling bristles side-to-side across teeth.
What areas need extra attention?
Some spots around braces are prone to more plaque buildup. Be vigilant about brushing:
- Where the bracket meets the gumline
- Underneath or behind each bracket
- Between the braces and the teeth
- Around the braces hooks or loops
- By orthodontic elastic bands
- Between the wires and teeth
- On chewing surfaces of back teeth
- Around the palate or lingual braces
What type of floss should I use?
Flossing thoroughly each day is critical when you have braces. Look for these types of floss to make flossing easier:
Floss threaders
Let you thread floss under wires and between teeth. Flexible U-shaped ends and rigid body.
Interdental picks
Reaches tight spaces between teeth. Picks have plastic handles and flexible pick ends.
Superfloss
Combines floss with a stiff end for easy threading between brackets.
Water flossers
Shoot water streams between teeth to flush out food and plaque.
Single-tuft brushes
Mini brush heads clean between brackets. Can be electric or manual.
What flossing techniques should I use?
Floss carefully using these techniques with braces:
Thread under archwire
Use floss threaders to run floss underneath archwire, between brackets, and out the other side.
Floss up & down
Run floss up and down between teeth to scrape plaque off enamel.
Wrap floss around each tooth
Curve floss around all tooth surfaces, including the sides with brackets.
Floss behind back molars
Pull floss tight and maneuver it behind your furthest back teeth.
Move floss in & out
Slide floss in and out between contacts, not just up and down, to dislodge food.
Use water flosser
Aim water streams between teeth and brackets if regular floss won’t fit.
How can I make brushing and flossing easier?
Here are some tips to simplify your braces cleaning routine:
- Use a tool to thread floss under wires
- Try electric brushes or water flossers
- Use single-tuft mini brushes to reach tight spots
- Buy disposable floss picks for on-the-go
- Invest in an extra soft orthodontic toothbrush
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily
- Set phone reminders to brush and floss
- Keep brush, floss, and rinse in multiple places
- Brush and floss before bed when you’re tired
What brushing mistakes should I avoid?
Be mindful of these common missteps when maintaining your braces:
- Not brushing enough – 2-3 minutes is needed
- Brushing too hard – Stay gentle around brackets
- Not angling bristles correctly – Go under brackets at 45 degrees
- Brushing too quickly – Take your time
- Not brushing tongue/cheeks – Clean all surfaces
- Skipping flossing – Still required with braces
- Using normal toothpaste – Get special orthodontic formula
- Old worn-out toothbrush – Replace every 3-4 months
- Not brushing gently around gumline – Don’t damage gums
How often should I see a dentist/orthodontist?
Schedule appointments with your providers every:
- 3-6 months for dental cleanings and check-ups
- 4-8 weeks for orthodontic adjustments
- Anytime something feels wrong with your braces
This frequent professional care ensures your teeth and braces stay healthy while you undergo treatment.
Can I still get cavities with braces?
Yes, cavities are still possible when you have braces if you do not brush and floss meticulously. Food and plaque can get stuck in appliances and lead to decay. See your dentist right away if you have any symptoms like:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- White spots on enamel
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Broken brackets or wires
Getting cavities filled quickly will prevent further damage. Keep up your oral hygiene routine to avoid cavities.
What if I’m having difficulty brushing or flossing?
Don’t hesitate to call your orthodontist if:
- You can’t brush certain teeth
- Floss won’t fit between teeth
- Brushing is painful
- Wires are poking your cheeks
- Brackets fall off repeatedly
Your orthodontist can readjust appliances and give you specialty tools to improve access for cleaning. Ask what alternate techniques might help. Call the office immediately if you have a bracket or wire sticking out that could cut your mouth.
Conclusion
Keeping braces clean takes diligence, but is critical for oral health. Brush carefully and thoroughly after each meal. Floss carefully each day. See your dentist and orthodontist regularly. Use special tools and toothbrushes designed for braces. Take a little extra time to brush properly and floss between all teeth surfaces and brackets. Proper hygiene will keep your smile looking great and prevent complications during orthodontic treatment.