How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces On: A Complete Guide

Wearing braces is a big commitment. Not only do they help straighten your teeth and improve your smile, but they also require extra attention to your oral hygiene. If you’ve recently gotten braces or are considering them, one of the most common questions I hear from friends and family is, “How do you clean your teeth with braces on?” It might seem a bit complicated at first, but trust me—once you get into the routine, cleaning your teeth with braces becomes second nature.

In this article, I’ll share the best tips and methods I’ve learned over the years to help you maintain a clean and healthy mouth while wearing braces. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right toothbrush to navigating the tricky spots where food can get trapped. With the right knowledge and tools, you’ll be able to take care of your braces and your teeth, ensuring you get the best results from your orthodontic treatment.

1. The Challenges of Cleaning Teeth with Braces

When I first got braces, I didn’t realize how much effort it would take to keep my teeth clean. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands, which can trap food particles and plaque. This makes it much easier for bacteria to build up and lead to issues like gum inflammation, cavities, and even bad breath. The challenge is not just brushing, but ensuring that all those hard-to-reach places around the braces are properly cleaned.

After a few weeks of trial and error, I quickly realized that I needed to adjust my oral hygiene routine. I couldn’t just brush my teeth like I used to. To make sure I was effectively cleaning my teeth and braces, I started using different tools and techniques that I’ll share with you below. It’s important to recognize that regular brushing alone may not be enough. But with the right steps, it’s entirely possible to maintain a sparkling, healthy smile while wearing braces.

2. Choose the Right Toothbrush for Braces

The toothbrush you use when you have braces is one of the most important tools in your oral hygiene routine. Initially, I didn’t know there was a special toothbrush for people with braces. A regular toothbrush doesn’t effectively clean around the brackets and wires, which can leave food particles behind and increase the risk of cavities and plaque build-up.

I highly recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a compact head. A compact head allows you to reach those tight spots around your braces, and the soft bristles prevent damaging your gums or brackets. Another great option is an orthodontic toothbrush, which is specifically designed for people with braces. These brushes typically have V-shaped bristles that make it easier to clean around the brackets and wires, ensuring a more thorough cleaning.

Besides your regular toothbrush, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. I found that using an electric toothbrush helped me clean my teeth more efficiently and effectively. The oscillating movement ensures that plaque and food particles are thoroughly removed from both the surfaces of your teeth and the areas around your braces.

3. The Best Way to Brush Your Teeth with Braces

When brushing with braces, technique is just as important as the toothbrush itself. I quickly learned that I needed to adjust my brushing technique to make sure I wasn’t missing any spots. Here’s a step-by-step guide I follow every day:

Start at the Top: Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Gently move the brush in small circular motions along the top edge of the brackets, making sure to clean the area where the brackets meet your teeth.
Brush Every Surface: Don’t just focus on the front of your teeth. Make sure to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of all your teeth, as well as around the brackets.
Pay Attention to the Brackets: Be extra careful to clean each bracket individually. I found it helpful to gently brush the tops and bottoms of each bracket to remove any food debris stuck around them.
Use Short, Gentle Strokes: Avoid pressing too hard on your teeth or braces, as this can cause damage. Use gentle short strokes to clean effectively.
Don’t Forget the Gumline: Plaque can build up at the gumline, which is why it’s important to thoroughly clean there as well. Angle your brush towards the gumline and use gentle circular motions.

Take your time when brushing to ensure you don’t miss any areas. I recommend brushing for at least two minutes, especially with braces. You might need to brush a little longer than usual, but it’s worth the extra time to avoid complications like cavities and gum disease.

4. Flossing with Braces: A Must for Complete Oral Care

Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s a crucial part of keeping your teeth clean. When I first started with braces, I neglected to floss regularly, thinking that brushing alone would suffice. But I quickly learned that flossing is necessary to get rid of food particles stuck between the teeth and under the wires. If you don’t floss, plaque builds up in these areas, leading to gum problems and potential cavities.

The good news is that there are tools designed to make flossing with braces easier. I recommend using orthodontic floss threaders, which are small devices that help you thread floss between your teeth and the braces. Alternatively, you can use floss picks designed for braces. These picks have a small hook that allows you to maneuver floss around the brackets with ease.

When flossing with braces, gently slide the floss up and down between the teeth, making sure to get under the wire. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging your braces or gums. I found that flossing once a day, especially before bed, kept my mouth feeling fresh and free of debris.

5. Using Mouthwash and Other Tools

In addition to brushing and flossing, mouthwash can be a great way to keep your mouth clean and fresh while wearing braces. Mouthwash can help kill bacteria, reduce plaque buildup, and even soothe your gums. I personally use an alcohol-free mouthwash that’s designed for orthodontic patients, as it’s gentler on the gums and helps fight plaque around the brackets.

Another tool I recommend is an interdental brush. These tiny brushes fit between your teeth and brackets, allowing you to clean areas that are difficult to reach with regular toothbrushes or floss. I’ve found these especially useful after meals to clear away food that gets stuck around the braces.

6. Maintaining Overall Dental Health with Braces

Wearing braces requires diligence, but it doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. In fact, once I established my daily routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, it became just another part of my regular routine. Maintaining good oral health with braces not only helps you avoid dental issues like cavities and gum disease, but it also sets you up for a beautiful smile once the braces come off.

In addition to your at-home routine, make sure to visit your orthodontist regularly for checkups. They can help monitor your progress, make adjustments to your braces, and provide guidance on how to improve your oral hygiene. And don’t forget about your regular dentist visits—professional cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth healthy while wearing braces.

If you’re looking for tips on the best products for braces care, check out Dentistry Toothtruth, where you’ll find great recommendations for orthodontic-friendly toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash that can make your daily routine even easier.