Keeping Your Teeth Clean With Braces

Taking care of your teeth while you wear braces is essential for optimum oral health. While brushing and flossing while you have braces can be challenging, it is more important than ever to make sure your teeth are clean in order to avoid cavities and other complications.

How to Brush With Braces

  1. Choose the right toothbrush. Find one that’s small and flexible enough to fit around your braces and to clean all sides of your teeth. We can provide guidance if you’re not sure.
  2. Brush the outside of your teeth. Start at the bottom and rub the toothbrush back and forth. When you get to the top, use a circular motion to brush the top teeth. Be sure to get all your teeth, including your molars, and spend 25-30 seconds on each bracket.
  3. Brush the inside of your teeth. Continue to use circular motions on the inside top and bottom of your teeth.
  4. Brush the crowns (chewing surfaces) of your teeth. Use both rubbing and circular motions.
  5. Don’t just focus on your teeth! Brush and massage your gums, cheeks, and tongue, too.
  6. Rinse and spit whenever necessary.
  7. Brush at least 2 to 3 times a day. Once in the morning, once after work/school, and once at night is recommended. You can also brush after every meal for even better results.

How to Floss With Braces

  1. Consider using special floss designed for people with braces. Ask us about water flossers and special flossing tools.
  2. Rinse frequently. Water will help get any loose food particles out of your mouth.
  3. Use the proper technique. Take at least 18 inches of floss, wrap it around the index finger of each hand, and wiggle it between the tooth space. Use floss threaders to get around your wires and brackets. In addition, use a “C” shape instead of trying to floss in straight lines.
  4. Be diligent. Floss at least once a day.

6 Convenient Locations