Did you recently start orthodontic treatment? If so, then you are already a big step closer to the straight, healthy, beautiful smile you’ve been dreaming of! There is just one problem: brushing and flossing with braces. After all, the metal brackets and strong wires can make cleaning your teeth a more cumbersome process. To make it easier, keep reading for a few important tips.

How To: Brush with Braces

Step number one in brushing your teeth with braces is removing all of your elastics (if you have any). Next, swish with clean water to dislodge any loose food particles. From there, wet your toothbrush, apply some toothpaste, and brush at a 45-degree angle. In the next two minutes, make sure to brush the top and bottom of each wire, as well as your teeth and along the gumline. Lastly, rinse with clean water and check your teeth for any lingering debris. If needed, complete the process again.

How To: Floss with Braces

Flossing with braces will take a bit more time. Using a water flosser can save you some time, but it’s important to still use traditional floss to clean between your teeth. To do so, thread a clean strand between each wire before gently guiding it between each tooth. Carefully guide the floss along each side of your tooth, removing plaque in the process. Repeat throughout your mouth.

8 Oral Health Best Practices with Braces

Brushing and flossing correctly is an important first step in keeping your smile healthy and happy throughout your treatment. There are, however, a few other best practices you should keep in mind, including:

• Brush for two full minutes after each meal.
• Floss daily.
• Rinse with mouthwash regularly.
• Visit your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid foods that can damage your braces, like whole apples, corn on the cob, and peanut brittle.
• Use the right tools, like a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Quit unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on pen caps.
• Eat well-balanced meals packed with nutrient-dense foods.

There is no denying that brushing and flossing will look a bit different with braces. Fortunately, keeping the above tips in mind will help make the process much easier. Plus, if you have any questions along the way, you can always ask your orthodontist!

About the Practice

At Simply Orthodontics, our team wants you to get the straight, healthy, beautiful smile you deserve and enjoy your treatment along the way. We know that brushing and flossing with metal braces can be a bit cumbersome at first, which is why we always do our best to prioritize patient education. If you have any questions about how to properly clean your teeth with braces or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 508-281-5188.