How Do You Brush Your Teeth With Braces?

Brushing your teeth may seem like a challenge when you’re wearing braces. You may be worried about maneuvering around your brackets, or making sure there’s no food particles caught in them. But don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it seems.

Although brushing your teeth is even more important than ever when wearing braces, it’s a simple process once you get used to it, and follow a few easy steps.

Rinse Your Mouth

Start the process simply by rinsing your mouth with water. It’s an easy first step to loosen and free any food particles that may get stuck on your braces. Try to rinse your braces all day, whenever you eat but you’re not able to brush. Just taking this simple step really makes a positive difference in your dental hygiene! 

Brushing in Braces

So you’ve rinsed your braces, and now you’re ready to use your toothbrush and toothpaste. Start brushing at your gum line at a 45-degree angle. Brushing this way will stimulate gums and loosen any of those pesky food particles or bacteria that can collect there in your mouth. Getting rid of any particles and bacteria is great for maintaining your oral health.

One thing to note, don’t use too much force so you won’t injure your gums when brushing. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush and proceed gently, brushing both the back and front of your teeth.

Be Aware of Your Brackets

We understand that the brackets on your braces are one of the reasons you’re likely to feel nervous about brushing in braces. But - it’s not that hard! Relax, and carefully move your toothbrush through your mouth one bracket at a time. The point is to remove as much debris as possible, starting at the top and moving to the bottom. Take it slow, and don’t pull on the wire or brackets of your braces.

Flossing Time

Flossing is just as important as brushing in your daily oral care. It can be a challenge to move your floss around your braces, but your dental hygienist can show you how. Still, if it feels overwhelming or you don’t feel you have the time to floss carefully with your braces, you might want to consider using a waterpik. 

A waterpik does what standard floss does, but by using water to remove plaque in difficult to reach places. And it does it without any risk to your braces, and by making flossing easier to you. Just give yourself time to become comfortable and familiar with the waterpik process, and then it will be easy. 

Although you have to give yourself time to practice using one, waterpiks are a great idea if you’re wearing braces. Just remember: a waterpik replaces flossing, not brushing itself. 

Establish an Oral Care Routine

So, brushing your teeth in braces and setting up a simple oral care routine when you’re wearing them isn’t that hard if you follow this simple advice:

Ready to Learn More About Getting Braces?

If you’re ready to get a smile you can be happy to share, just reach out to us today. We’re ready to help you straighten your teeth and make sure your dental health is its very best.