How Do You Brush Teeth with Braces?

If you have braces, you may wonder how you can keep your teeth sufficiently cleaned. It may seem impossible to get into all those nooks and crannies, but the truth is, if you do it right, you can ensure thorough, proper teeth cleaning every single day. In fact, brushing teeth with braces doesn’t differ all that much from brushing without braces. You can’t slack off: you still need to brush at least twice a day. If you can bring a tooth brush to work or school, it’s also wise to brush and floss after lunch.

General Cleaning Tips

Make sure you’re brushing for at least two minutes, and take some time to remove loose food from under your brackets and wires. If you’re out and about and can’t brush after a meal, rinsing your mouth out with water and spitting is better than nothing, and will help remove larger food particles.

Choose a soft bristle toothbrush or electric toothbrush, which will be gentler on your teeth and braces. Brush gently to avoid damaging the brackets or wires. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the brackets are making your bristles wear down faster than they usually do. Brush around all parts of the teeth, including the backs, fronts, sides, and chewing surfaces.

A toothbrush with rounded bristles is best for brushing braces, as is fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. Your orthodontist may have told you to use a fluoride rinse as well, which is also a good idea. This strengthens the teeth even more, keeping them cavity-free throughout your braces treatment.

Cleaning Between Teeth with Braces

The wires connecting your braces from tooth to tooth can certainly make flossing a challenge, but use patience and the correct floss, and you won’t have a problem. A floss threader is your best friend when you have braces, so use this handy tool to clean underneath the arch wires more easily.

Gently floss between all teeth and into the gums to remove plaque and food particles. Use mouthwash regularly to clear out food and plaque between teeth and braces, as well as to reduce gum and cheek inflammation that may result from wearing braces.

Proper oral care is vital throughout the duration of your braces treatment. Some of the big issues arising from the combination of braces and poor hygiene include gingivitis, periodontics disease, and decalcifications, which are permanent white stains that can form around braces. Don’t worry, brushing regularly and thoroughly will help minimize this decalcification.

Contact Studio City Dental Center

Got braces? It’s even more imperative that you visit the dentist for regular cleanings every six months or sooner. Schedule an appointment today when you contact us at 818-762-2977, or feel free to complete our online form.