How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces: Step-by-Step Guide

Braces help create a straighter, healthier, more confident smile, but can also make oral hygiene slightly more challenging. Around the brackets and wires, food particles and plaque can build up. Learning the correct brushing technique can help your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Why Brushing with Braces Is More Difficult

Braces are made up of several components, such as brackets, wire, and other orthodontic attachments, that create additional surfaces where food particles and plaque can collect. These areas may be more difficult to reach with a toothbrush, making a thorough brushing routine especially important during orthodontic treatment.

A common area that causes problems with many patients is around the base of each bracket. Plaque can build up where the brackets meet the tooth, especially if brushing is inconsistent and not done correctly. The gumline is another important area that will require attention. If plaque were to accumulate near the gums, it could contribute to oral health concerns and inflammation.

How Often Should You Brush with Braces?

Orthodontists recommend brushing after every meal and snack if possible, helping to remove food particles before they have a chance to settle around the brackets and wires. Brushing frequently will also help reduce plaque buildup and ensure the gums remain healthier throughout treatment.

Consider keeping a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you throughout the day, making it easier to brush after meals and maintain good oral hygiene.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Toothbrushes are not all created equal, especially when braces are involved.

The best choice is usually a soft-bristle toothbrush as it is gentle on teeth and gums and keeps them clean. Hard bristles can be too harsh and make it more difficult to clean comfortably.

An orthodontic toothbrush with a V-shaped bristle design is often recommended, as it can clean around brackets and wires more easily while helping reach multiple surfaces at once.

Electric toothbrushes are a great option! Some patients find that the vibration from the brush head helps remove plaque while simplifying their brushing routine. If an electric toothbrush is your first choice, pay attention to all areas around the brackets, wires, and gumline.

The Proper Brushing Technique for Braces

Begin by placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. Using gentle circular motions, brushing along the gums and the tops of the teeth. This motion helps remove plaque that is more likely to collect where the teeth and gum meet.

Next, angle the brush downward to clean the area above the brackets.

Then take the brush and angle upward to clean underneath the brackets and along the lower section of each tooth. Ensure to work methodically across every tooth so no area is missed.

It's important to take your time and use small circular motions rather than aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing. Gentle, thorough brushing is more effective and helps protect both your teeth and braces.

The Benefits of Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes, commonly known as proxabrushes, are small brushes created to fit into tight spaces between brackets and underneath wires. They can be very useful for removing food and plaque from areas that a regular toothbrush may struggle to reach.

Many orthodontic patients find it beneficial to carry a few interdental brushes with them, making it easier to clean their braces throughout the day, particularly after meals.

While interdental brushes do not replace regular brushing and flossing, they can be a valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine during treatment.

Why Fluoride Toothpaste Matters

Fluoride toothpaste plays a pivotal role in protecting teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Decalcification can occur when plaque remains on teeth for extended periods, resulting in permanent white marks on the enamel after the braces are removed.

Using fluoride toothpaste regularly helps strengthen the enamel and support the natural remineralization process. When combined with thorough, consistent brushing and flossing, a fluoride toothpaste can help reduce the risk of decalcification.

What Not to Do: Avoid Whitening Toothpaste During Treatment

Whitening toothpastes are generally not recommended while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Because brackets cover part of the tooth surface, whitening products cannot reach those areas, leaving exposed areas lighter while the unreachable areas remain unchanged and creating an imbalance in shades.

In addition, focusing on whitening treatment during your orthodontic journey can distract from the primary goal of maintaining healthy enamel and preventing decalcification. A fluoride toothpaste designed for cavity prevention and enamel protection is typically a better choice while undergoing orthodontic care.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy Throughout Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile, and good oral hygiene habits help protect that investment. Brushing after meals, proper brushing technique, choosing the right tools, and maintaining regular flossing habits can all contribute to healthier teeth and gums.