Cleaning Your Teeth with Braces: Here’s How

Cleaning your teeth with braces isn’t the same as regular brushing. If you have braces, knowing how to clean around the brackets and wires is key to preventing plaque, bad breath, tooth decay, and even permanent stains on your teeth.

At Dental Home, we often see patients in Puchong asking the same thing: “How do I keep my teeth clean without damaging the braces?” The good news? It’s absolutely doable with the right routine and tools.

Why Proper Brushing With Braces Is Crucial

Braces create tiny spaces between your teeth and the metal components where food can easily get trapped. This leads to plaque buildup which eventually causes cavities, gum disease, and white spots around the brackets that don’t go away even after the braces come off. All these are signs of enamel decalcification that can occur when plaque sits too long around braces.

In short, even though braces are working hard to straighten your teeth, they also make your mouth harder to clean. That’s why you need to double down on your brushing habits while wearing them. Think of it as a team effort between you and your orthodontics.

Did you know, you can still get deep cleaning done to your teeth even with braces? Check out our scaling and polishing services at Dental Home for more information.

At Dental Home, Here’s How We Advice Our Patients to Brush With Braces

Hold Your Toothbrush at a 45-Degree Angle Toward the Gums

Start by angling your toothbrush at about 45 degrees toward the gum line. This angle allows the bristles to reach slightly under the gums and helps to dislodge any plaque that may build up where the tooth meets the gum. It’s especially important with braces, as food debris can hide in tight spots that aren’t easy to see.

Focus on Each Tooth and Clean Around Brackets and Wires

Don’t rush during the process. Spend a few seconds on each tooth, especially the ones with brackets. Gently brush above and below the wires, making sure to clean around all the hardware. A soft-bristled brush or an interdental brush can help you reach around each bracket without causing damage or discomfort.

Use Circular, Gentle Strokes When Brushing

Instead of aggressive scrubbing, use small, circular motions. This helps lift plaque away from the gum line and surface of the tooth without wearing down enamel or irritating your gums. It’s effective, safer, and ideal when maneuvering around braces.

Don’t Skip the Front, Back, and Biting Surfaces of Your Teeth

Braces might make you focus too much on the front, but don’t ignore the inner (tongue side) and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Plaque can build up anywhere, and consistent, thorough brushing on all surfaces is crucial for keeping your mouth healthy.

Do note that this advice is also applicable for children and teenagers with braces on. Don’t forget that their oral health is just as important as yours! 

How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth With Braces?

When you have braces, it’s best to brush your teeth after every meal — morning, after lunch, and before bed. If brushing after lunch isn’t possible, rinse thoroughly with water or mouthwash to help dislodge food debris and reduce acid buildup.

What Type of Toothbrush Is Best for Braces?

The right toothbrush can make a huge difference in how effectively you remove plaque and food particles. At Dental Home, here’s what our dentists’ recommend: 

Go for Soft-Bristled or Orthodontic Brushes

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are gentle on gums but tough on plaque. Orthodontic toothbrushes, designed specifically for braces, often have a V-shaped trim that fits perfectly around wires and brackets. This makes it easier to remove debris without damaging your appliance.

Don’t Forget Interdental and Proxy Brushes

Interdental brushes (tiny cone-shaped tools) are excellent for cleaning between brackets and under wires where regular toothbrushes can’t reach. Use them once a day, ideally before or after brushing, to dislodge stubborn debris.

What Toothpaste Should You Use with Braces?

While most people focus on toothbrushes, the right toothpaste plays a critical role in protecting your teeth during orthodontic treatment. Braces create extra surfaces for plaque and bacteria to build up, so using a toothpaste that targets these challenges is essential.

Choose a Fluoride Toothpaste for Cavity Protection

Fluoride is your best defense against cavities while wearing braces. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and food. Go for a toothpaste with at least 1,000 ppm fluoride to help prevent decay, especially in hard-to-reach areas behind wires and around brackets.

Avoid Whitening Toothpaste

While it may be tempting to use whitening toothpaste, it’s not recommended for people with braces. These products can’t whiten the enamel beneath your brackets, leading to uneven coloring once the braces are removed. Focus on keeping your entire mouth clean instead of chasing a brighter shade during treatment.You can schedule a teeth whitening session with us anytime after the braces are off. 

Look for Anti-Bacterial Properties

Toothpastes with anti-bacterial agents like triclosan or stannous fluoride can reduce inflammation, gingivitis, and plaque build-up. These added benefits help prevent swollen gums and oral discomfort, which are common concerns during orthodontic treatment.

Can You Use Mouthwash or Floss With Braces?

Absolutely! In fact, incorporating both mouthwash and floss into your daily routine becomes even more important when you have braces. These tools help clean the areas your toothbrush can’t reach and play a key role in preventing cavities and gum disease during orthodontic treatment.

Rinsing With Mouthwash for Extra Protection

An antibacterial mouthwash can reduce plaque buildup, soothe inflamed gums, and prevent bad breath. Choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid dryness or irritation. A fluoride rinse can also help strengthen enamel, especially if you’re at higher risk for cavities while wearing braces.

Rinse once a day, preferably at night before brushing and after flossing to let the active ingredients work overnight.

Flossing With Braces Requires Extra Tools

Flossing with braces is a bit more complex but no less important. Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to navigate under the wires and between your teeth. It may take longer at first, but consistency is key.

If traditional floss proves too challenging, consider using a water flosser. These handheld devices shoot a stream of water between teeth and around braces to remove food particles and bacteria. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Teeth With Braces

Now that we got the do’s, here’s a list of don’ts. Many people unknowingly make simple mistakes that can lead to stained teeth, irritated gums, or prolonged treatment time. Here’s what to watch out for.

Brushing Too Hard

It might seem like vigorous brushing equals better cleaning, but it can actually do more harm than good. Brushing too hard can wear down your enamel and cause gum recession, especially around the brackets where your gums are already more sensitive. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle touch.

Ignoring the Gum Line

Many people focus only on the brackets and forget about the gum line. Failing to clean along the gum line allows plaque to build up, which can lead to swollen gums or even gingivitis. Be sure to angle your brush slightly toward the gums and clean along the edge with care.

Skipping Floss or Mouthwash

Flossing with braces is time-consuming, and rinsing may seem optional. But skipping these steps invites bacteria to linger where your toothbrush can’t reach. Without proper care, it’s easy to end up with cavities or white spots when the braces come off.

Not Brushing After Every Meal

When food gets stuck in your brackets and wires, it’s feeding the bacteria colony in your teeth. Waiting too long to brush after a meal can lead to rapid plaque formation. However, this doesn’t mean you have to always brush them whenever you eat something. If it’s just a light snack or a bite, rinsing your mouth with water is more than enough.