Braces will help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile but will require you to make some changes to ensure you are maintaining proper oral hygiene for the duration of your treatment.
Traditional metal braces come with brackets and wires where food particles, plaque, and other debris can get trapped. As they build up, the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath increase significantly.
This article explores how to properly brush your teeth with braces to protect your oral health.
Gather Your Oral Hygiene Supplies
In order to maintain your teeth with braces, you are going to need a few key supplies. For instance, a soft-bristled toothbrush. This may or may not be electric, based on your preference. Of course, this toothbrush won’t do you much good without some fluoride toothpaste. If you aren’t sure of the best options, ask your orthodontist for recommendations.
Flossing daily is just as essential to your oral hygiene as brushing. Floss, a floss threader, or a water flosser will be necessary to clean between teeth. An interdental or proxy brush will be used for cleaning between brackets.
And finally, mouthwash. This is also great to use daily. Most orthodontists will highly recommend making it part of your routine.
How to Care For Your Teeth With Braces
Below is a step-by-step overview of how you can brush and take care of your teeth while wearing traditional braces. Keep in mind that this routine may vary slightly based on the tools you choose to use.
Let’s dive in.
Rinse Your Mouth
When you have braces, debris can find its way into all sorts of sneaky areas throughout your mouth. Rinsng thoroughly is a great way to help loosen any particles that may be stuck in these areas — and get them out of your mouth. Doing this before brushing can make your brushing more effective.
Brushing Outer Surfaces First
The first step in brushing your teeth is to attack the outer areas first. That means brushing along the gumline using small, circular motions from one side to the next and from the top to the bottom. You will want to brush the brackets and your gums, making sure you tilt your brush to thoroughly reach its top and bottom. It is often easiest to take the time to focus on each tooth individually as you move around the mouth.
Brush the Remaining Surfaces
Next up, switch to the chewing and inner surfaces so that you clean the whole tooth. While you won’t have brackets or other hardware in these areas, they still require your attention. Brush in a circular motion, reaching the gums behind the tooth.
Use an Interdental Brush
An interdental or proxy brush is one that is used to clean the areas between the brackets. Rather than using a toothbrush, this smaller tool makes it easy to reach tighter spaces, working around wires. This will help you to remove any remaining debris that your toothbrush won’t have access to.
Flossing Daily
Don’t forget that flossing should always be part of your routine, as it will remove food particles, plaque, and other debris from between your teeth. Using a floss threader can help you navigate the wires. However, a water flosser will make this much easier — and much less tricky.
Rinse With Mouthwash
Finishing your routine with a fluoride mouthwash can help kill bacteria and strengthen your teeth. It also helps to keep your breath minty and fresh. Ask your orthodontist for recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my teeth with braces?
You will want to brush your teeth at least twice each day. If possible, brush after every meal to prevent buildup.
Do I still need to see my dentist for routine cleanings if I have braces?
Yes, you should still see your dentist for professional cleanings every 6 months, even if you have braces. It is a significant part of maintaining your oral health.