Seven Tips for Brushing with Braces

If you or your child have been struggling with your oral hygiene routine since starting orthodontic treatment, these seven tips for brushing with braces are just for you! When you considered how your life might change with braces, you probably imagined all the foods you’ll have to put off, what people might say, and how you’ll look in your new appliances. Many patients find themselves surprised at their oversight about how their getting-ready routine changes. 

While wearing braces makes life a bit different, brushing your teeth with braces isn’t too different from brushing your teeth without braces. You’ll have to take caution as it can be tricky to brush around the brackets and wires properly without damaging them. Still, getting any food debris and bacteria that may build up is crucial to avoid more serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease. 

Now that you have made a brilliant investment in your smile with orthodontic treatment, we want to help ensure there are no obstacles to maintaining our hard work. We are dedicated to giving patients of all ages exceptional orthodontic care at Selden Orthodontics. Your smile is one of the first things people notice, and we’re here to provide you with the sparkling confidence you’ve always wanted. Here are some tips for effective oral hygiene with braces. 

One: Slow Down

There is no denying that having braces takes a bit of time and effort. It was tricky enough to get to the two-minute mark without braces, and the added complications of brackets and wires being in the way can make you want to rush and skip the necessary steps. But, it is essential to take your time when brushing with braces to ensure the best results in the long run. 

Singing a song or reciting a poem can help you pace yourself, and most electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer that can keep you accountable while giving you an extra hand at the actual cleaning. 

Two: Choose the right toothpaste

Not all kinds of toothpaste are created equally; if you aren’t using a quality option, you may be doing more harm than good. Since choosing the right toothpaste can depend on your specific needs, Dr. Selden can give you recommendations that will work well for your needs. 

Fluoride is a common ingredient in a quality toothpaste. It’s a common natural mineral that fights cavities and protects your tooth’s outer layer of enamel. The American Dental Association recommends toothpaste with fluoride to combat and neutralize bacteria. While there have been claims that too much fluoride can be harmful, the ADA has numerous studies showing that an approved dose of fluoride is essential for optimal dental health.

Three: Swap for an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes not only take the chore out of brushing your teeth but have recently been proven to genuinely be better for your teeth and overall oral health. According to recent studies, people who use an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay, and also keep their teeth for longer compared with those who use a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes, especially those with heads that rotate in both directions, or ‘oscillating’ heads, are really effective at removing plaque. This helps keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay.

If an electric toothbrush is not an option or not one you’d like to swap to, use a soft, round-bristle brush for adequate cleaning without harsh damage or discomfort. Whether you opt for an electric or a manual toothbrush, braces will wear out the bristles quickly, so swap to a new head or toothbrush when you start to see signs of wear. 

Four: Make sure to floss twice a day

While flossing is one of the most practical steps of oral health, it is often the most overlooked step, too- especially when you have braces’ hardware making the challenge a bit more complicated. You must not skip this step as debris, plaque, and bacteria can become lodged between teeth and brackets and lead to tooth decay or gum disease, like gingivitis.

There are also disposable flossing sticks that patients can use in a pinch to get to hard-to-reach places where debris can become lodged. Your orthodontist will likely also give you a tool, like an interdental proxy brush, to help make this process easier. Many patients also have found that utilizing a Waterpik helps them save some time while getting a good clean in the more challenging spots to reach. 

Five: Don’t forget your gums

Once your braces are applied, you may briefly experience minor gum sensitivity or inflammation, but this will wear off quickly. As it does, make sure you are brushing not just the brackets and wires on the front faces of your teeth but that you are going all the way to your gums to get the plaque and debris that builds up there as well. 

Plus, brushing below your teeth provides a little massage for sore gums and can even stimulate flow to the area to help them heal quicker. 

Six: Brushing the Brackets

Knowing what to do when it comes to cleaning the brackets and wires of your braces can be daunting and no easy feat. For the most part, it is the same process as brushing your teeth without braces, back and forth. But, with brackets on, you will need to adjust your brush placement to get a good angle on them. Brushing down from the top of the bracket, up from the bottom, and in a circular motion around them will help get to those hard-to-reach places. 

Just be sure not to apply too much pressure to damage the wires or brackets themselves. If you are using an electric toothbrush, dial back the intensity or even opt for a standard brush as you get to the pressure needed to clean your teeth with braces properly. 

Seven: Rinse Well, and Rinse Again

Because the brackets and wires can create small gaps, food and debris easily get lodged in those spaces. Typically, the particles stuck here are large enough to be noticeable and easily dislodged with a bit of rinsing. If you can’t brush immediately after a meal, be sure to rinse your mouth as thoroughly as possible. 

To remove any loose food particles that may have gathered underneath and around the brackets, gargle warm water and spit it into the sink before brushing. You may need to do this a couple to a few times if you find you are getting a lot of debris out. Rinse until the water you spit is clear. Once there are no longer pieces of debris, you can begin brushing your teeth. 

After you have brushed and flossed your teeth, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth out again with warm water to get any of the loose particles knocked free during the process. Rinsing with a good mouthwash can provide long-lasting plaque and bad breath defense. 

Selden Orthodontics wants to ensure your smile is simply spectacular!1

We care about you like you’re our own family, which is why we want to make sure you have all the tips and tricks to make your experience with braces one you can enjoy! We know things come up, and you get busy, but proper brushing and flossing during your orthodontic treatment can significantly improve your results and overall oral health. It is worth the time! 

At Selden Orthodontics in Huntersville and Charlotte, NC, you’ll get the latest orthodontic treatments that give you a beautiful smile you can share with the world. Schedule your FREE consultation with our team of experts today to see how what your smile can become!

Posted by Dr. Selden