Key Points

  • Poor dental hygiene while you have braces can lead to teeth stains and may cause gingivitis and periodontitis.
  • Brush thoroughly after every meal and floss every day.
  • Rinse with mouthwash frequently and use tools like a water flosser and spiral dental brush to help clear plaque from hard-to-reach spots.

What Is The Best Way To Clean Teeth With Braces?

Braces care is a delicate science that every orthodontic patient has to learn when they are designing their perfect smile. The best way to clean teeth with braces is to clean them often and thoroughly. The brackets and archwires can trap food particles and hide tartar buildup, making effective oral care a challenge. Use all the tools at your disposal to remove food debris, reduce plaque buildup, prevent tooth decay, and protect the surfaces of your teeth.

Are There Special Tools Or Products To Clean Teeth With Braces?

Yes! There are several helpful tools your orthodontist or DDS may recommend for keeping your oral health on track while you have braces. Many orthodontists offer a patient kit that contains many of these items to help get you started.

Water Flosser

A water flosser is an oral pressure washer that allows you to better clean in between your teeth. With the archwire in the way, it’s difficult to properly floss and protect your teeth against plaque buildup. A water flosser gets in all the hard-to-reach places with high-pressure streams of water to wash away any food particles or plaque.

Floss Threader

If you don’t like the idea of pressure washing your mouth, a floss threader will help you floss using the traditional method. Similar to a sewing needle threader, the floss threader has an open end where you can string the floss through and run it under the archwire and proceed to rock it between each tooth.

Spiral Dental Brush

Also known as a proxabrush or interdental brushes, these are mini toothbrushes that will fit under the wire and can help clear any left behind foods or plaque. They look similar to a mascara or makeup brush but are smaller and for dental purposes. You can get them from your orthodontist or any grocery or drug store.

Rubber-Tip Gum Massager

Gum massagers promote healthy, firm gums and are good for regular use, not just with braces. The rubber tip is at the end of a long handle, and you gently massage your gums and gumline to stimulate blood flow and keep your gums healthy..

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is always a good idea, especially when you have braces. It’s an added layer of protection against plaque buildup and can get to those tough-to-reach spots in your mouth. Any type of mouthwash will get the job done with a 30-second swish, but some studies recommend alcohol-free mouthwash, which works the same as traditional options but reduces the burning sensation.[1]

Dental Pick

When you can’t reach the back spaces in your mouth or there’s something particularly stubborn stuck in between your teeth, a dental pick is the solution. A sharp plastic or metal pick can get to those tough-to-reach spots and easily remove food or plaque.

Tongue Cleaner

Did you know that bacteria can remain on the tongue and is a significant cause of bad breath or halitosis?[2] Incorporating tongue cleaning or scraping into your daily oral routine can reduce bad breath and decrease the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth that could lead to other dental problems. When learning how to clean teeth with braces, you want to eliminate as many potentially damaging substances as possible.

High Quality Toothpaste

Toothpaste is the number one tool in your oral care toolbelt for keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Look for a toothpaste that contains flouride, has mild abrasives to protect your enamel, prevent tartar buildup, and relieve sensitivity. The ADA Seal of Acceptance will tell you which options meet their high standards.

Odontological or Oral Mirror

A mirror on a long handle will help you see the back of your teeth and behind your molars to ensure you’re not missing any spots during brushing. Check your work after brushing and flossing to ensure a thorough cleaning.

How do you brush your teeth with braces?

Use slow, deliberate circular motions to ensure all front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at your gumline and apply gentle pressure to scrub the inside and outside of your teeth.

Use a spiral dental brush to get behind the archwire. Floss with traditional floss and a threader or with a water flosser like a WaterPik and get in between all of your teeth to eliminate plaque hiding there. Swish mouthwash for 30 seconds and smile!

Other Oral Hygiene Tips For Braces

  • Eat a braces-friendly diet
  • Brush after every meal
  • Floss every day
  • Take a travel toothbrush with you to school
  • Regularly rinse with mouthwash
  • Try a salt water gargle
  • Drink cold liquids or foods after an adjustment
  • Don’t use your teeth as a tool to open things
  • Have wax or numbing gel on hand
  • Use chapstick frequently
  • Always follow the orthodontist’s instructions for rubber bands
  • Travel with extra rubber bands

Design Your Smile Today

Braces and Invisalign build confidence and improve oral health. If you want a smile you’ll love for a lifetime, reach out today to schedule an appointment.

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