Brushing Properly With Your Braces

Congratulations on getting braces! While it might be awkward to brush your teeth with braces, it is important to keep up with your daily oral hygiene habits, and possibly even brush more frequently to remove those food particles that can easily get caught between the brackets and wires. At Must Love Kids Dentistry in Vancouver, WA, we want to make sure you keep smiling throughout the braces process, so here are some tips on how to brush your teeth with braces so your smile stays sparkling and healthy.

Tip 1: Use the right tools.

Now that you have braces, you’ll want to be sure you have the proper tools to brush your teeth. A regular toothbrush with gentle, soft bristles is recommended for brushing with braces, but you can also get a special toothbrush that is specifically designed to help braces wearers clean between the brackets and wires. This toothbrush can slide in between the wires to remove any food particles that may have gotten stuck.

Tip 2: Brush after every meal.

Since food particles and plaque can build up easier around braces, it is important for those who have them to brush their teeth after every meal. To make it easier, you may want to carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can brush your teeth immediately after you eat.

Dentists also recommend that braces wearers rinse their mouth before they begin brushing their teeth to remove leftover food particles from in between the brackets. This can help make it easier to brush effectively.

Tip 3: Master the technique.

You’ll likely need time to adjust your tooth brushing technique to make sure all your teeth get brushed evenly each time. The process of brushing with braces is similar to brushing without them, but with a few tweaks. First, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to brush along the gum line. Then, reposition the brush to clean the tops of your teeth and the brackets themselves. Finally, using small, circular motions, make sure the front of each tooth is cleaned thoroughly. 

While brushing, make sure you aren’t using too much pressure, as this can damage the wires or brackets of your braces. If you are using an electric toothbrush, you may need to adjust the speed and intensity so as to not cause any damage to your braces.

Tip 4: Don’t forget to floss!

Daily flossing is especially important for those who have braces because food particles now have more places to hide in your mouth. To help, there are special orthodontic flossers available that can maneuver around orthodontic appliances. A water flosser, while a bit more of a financial investment, can also make it easier to remove stuck particles.

Ask Dr. Mo about the different types of flossers that are available for those who are wearing orthodontics, and don’t be afraid to ask for a demonstration to make sure you are flossing correctly. We’ll be happy to show you how to properly take care of your teeth while you’re wearing braces!

Tip 5: Rinse and Inspect

For those who wear braces, dentists recommend that you rinse multiple times during your daily oral health routine. This can help loosen any stuck food particles before you begin brushing. After you brush, you may want to rinse your mouth a second time and, if necessary, brush your teeth again to make sure you have cleaned every tooth thoroughly.

Dentists also recommend that braces wearers use an antimicrobial mouthwash, which can help kill the bacteria that is prone to sticking to orthodontic equipment.

Keep your smile healthy through the process!

Wearing braces can be an adjustment, but by following these tips, you can keep your smile healthy and sparkling. Dr. Mo at Must Love Kids Dentistry is trained in orthodontics, so she can recommend the best dental hygiene practices for you. The team at Must Love Kids Dentistry can also demonstrate the best oral hygiene practices for those who wear braces, so don’t be afraid to ask! 

Be sure to keep up with your monthly appointments when you have braces so your dentist can check on how your teeth are aligning and ensure your orthodontic equipment is in good shape with no loose or out of place parts. If you have questions about braces or you’d like to book your appointment, give Must Love Kids Dentistry a call today!