How Do You Brush Your Teeth With Braces?

Team Braces, Orthodontics

We understand that getting braces can make some things seem difficult - like brushing your teeth when you’re wearing them. You may be concerned about maneuvering around the brackets, and making sure no food particles are trapped in them. You might worry you could break something when you brush. 

But you don’t need to worry. And you can overcome your fears quickly, with a few easy oral health steps. It’s also important that you do just that - because brushing your teeth when you have braces is more necessary than ever. 

Step One: Rinsing Your Mouth

The first step in brushing your teeth with braces is to rinse your mouth. Use water alone, and take this easy step to loosen and free the food particles that can be stuck in the crevices om in your braces. 

Try to make rinsing a healthy habit all day long. Whenever you eat and are not able to brush, rinse. It’s as simple as it sounds and will really make a difference in your dental hygiene overall. 

Step Two: Brushing in Braces

When you can access your toothbrush and paste, the best way to start brushing in braces is to begin with your gum line. Brush at a 45-degree angle. This stimulates your gums, and loosens any food particles as well as bacteria that can collect in this part of your mouth. It's important to do this, because if left alone, the bacteria and particles can cause chaos for your oral hygiene.

But, be sure you’re not using too much force in your brushing, because you don’t want to injure your gums. Use a gentle, soft toothbrush both back and front. 

Step Three: Pay Attention to Your Brackets

The brackets on your braces may be part of the reason you’re feeling nervous to brush with braces. And, that’s very understandable, but you’ll find brushing with brackets isn’t as hard as it may seem. 

Carefully move your brush through your mouth, one bracket at a time. The idea is to remove as much debris build-up as you can. Start at the top, and move down to the bottom. Do not pull on the wires of the braces or the brackets. And definitely, don’t rush.

Always brush slowly and carefully so you don’t damage your braces or a tooth!

Step Four: Waterpik or Standard Flossing? 

Flossing,  like rinsing and brushing, is another important step in your oral care each day. But it can be difficult to maneuver your floss around your braces. 

While your dental hygienist can show you how, it can still feel a little overwhelming, or you may feel you’re too busy to carefully floss with braces. 

One simple solution that makes flossing easier is to use a waterpik. A waterpik uses water instead of standard floss, but functions in the same way, removing plaque from hard-to-reach places. And, a waterpik accomplishes it all without any risk to your braces and with greater ease for you.  

Remember that waterpiks can be a little challenging to use initially, so give yourself time to become familiar with the process - then it should be simple for you. 

Waterpiks are terrific if you’re wearing braces. But don’t forget that a waterpik replaces flossing only, not brushing itself. 

Your Oral Care Routine

The steps are simple when it comes to brushing your teeth when you’re wearing braces. Just be careful when you brush, and be sure to:

  • Brush your teeth a minimum of twice every day. 
  • Floss at least one time per day, whether you use standard floss or a waterpik.
  • Rinse the inside of your mouth with water each time you eat, whenever possible. 

Braces at Garric F. Wong DMD Orthodontics

Getting braces is the first step to achieving a beautiful smile you can be proud of. If you’re interested in learning more, just reach out to us at Garrick F. Wong DMD Orthodontics. We’re located conveniently in Cos Cob, Connecticut, and we are ready to give you a caring, relaxed, and exceptional dental experience.