Brushing With Braces: How to Keep Your Smile Clean During Orthodontic Treatment
Braces do a lot more than just straighten your teeth—they set the foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles. But as helpful as braces are, they also make it easier for food and plaque to hide in hard-to-reach places. That’s why brushing properly with braces in Freeport IL and Monroe WI is one of the most important things you can do during treatment.
Not sure how to level up your brushing game? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
Why Brushing Gets Trickier With Braces
Once brackets and wires enter the picture, your toothbrush has more to navigate. Food particles can sneak into corners, and plaque can build up along the gumline or around the brackets. If it’s not removed regularly, it can lead to:
- Tooth decay
- Inflamed gums
- Lingering bad breath
- Stains or white spots on your teeth
Brushing with care keeps your smile looking and feeling fresh—not just now, but after the braces come off, too.
How Many Times Should I Brush Each Day?
With braces, the best routine is to brush after every meal and snack. This helps remove debris before it hardens into plaque. Can’t brush right away? Swishing with water is a good backup until you can.
At a minimum, be sure to brush:
- Morning and night
- After lunch or school
- Any time you eat sticky or sugary foods
Keep a small travel kit handy when you're away from home—it makes brushing on the go a breeze.
Brushing Tips for Braces Wearers
Ready to brush like a pro? Follow these steps to make sure your smile stays on track:
- Use the right brush.
A soft-bristled manual brush or an electric toothbrush designed for braces will give you better results. - Start at the gumline.
Gently angle your brush toward your gums to remove plaque buildup where it starts. - Brush around each bracket.
Focus on brushing above, below, and directly on each bracket—this is where food loves to hide. - Go slow.
Set a timer or hum a song—2 full minutes is key. - Rinse well.
Finish with a good rinse to flush out anything your brush missed.
Which Toothpaste Is Best?
Look for a fluoride toothpaste that strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. While whitening toothpaste sounds appealing, it’s best to skip it during braces—it can leave uneven shades once the brackets come off.
Flossing: The Step You Can’t Skip
Yes, flossing takes more effort with braces—but it’s essential. Flossing helps clean between your teeth and under the wires, where plaque likes to settle. Try using:
- Floss threaders to guide regular floss through tight spaces
- Orthodontic floss picks for convenience
- Water flossers for a gentle but effective clean
Make it a daily habit—it’s worth it.
Add-Ons That Can Boost Your Routine
Need a little extra help keeping your smile fresh? These tools can make a big difference:
- Interproximal brushes for cleaning around brackets
- Orthodontic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and protect enamel
- Tongue scraper to fight bad breath
These additions take just seconds but go a long way.
What Happens If You Don’t Brush Properly?
Without proper care, plaque buildup can lead to more than just cavities. You might notice bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, or unsightly white spots when the braces are removed. In some cases, poor hygiene can even delay your treatment.
Taking care of your teeth now helps ensure your final results are everything you hoped for.
Stay Consistent. Stay Confident.
Brushing with braces in Freeport IL or Monroe WI doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes commitment. With the right habits, you’ll breeze through treatment and end up with a smile that’s not just straight, but healthy too.
Have questions about your brushing technique or need help picking the right products? Our teams at Walker & Wright Orthodontics are here to help you every step of the way. Let’s keep that smile shining!
