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How to brush with braces

It’s important to brush your teeth regularly while wearing braces.  


It can be challenging to brush your teeth properly while you undergo orthodontic treatment, but it’s important that you make proper oral hygiene a part of your routine. Brushing your teeth after every meal will help to keep your braces and teeth clean and go a long way in preventing issues like tooth decay and stains. Read on to find out how to brush your teeth properly with braces and what you can do to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment…

How do you brush with braces?

It is advisable to brush your teeth after every meal. This will help to get rid of any food particles that may have got stuck between your teeth or around your braces. It helps rinse your mouth with water to get rid of some food particles before you brush your teeth. When brushing, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and begin brushing at the gumline. Next, brush on the top of each bracket before cleaning the bottom of the brackets and wires. Make sure that you brush each tooth at the gum line and above and below each bracket. Taking time to clean each tooth and bracket thoroughly will ensure that you get rid of plaque, bacteria and food particles that, if left unremoved, can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

How do you clean between the teeth?

While it is important to brush at the gum line and above and below the brackets of your braces, it is also essential that you clean between the teeth. To do so, we recommend that you floss your teeth every day. When wearing braces, it can be helpful to use a floss threader as this tends to make the flossing process easier. If you prefer, you can use a water irrigator to remove food particles from between the teeth. If you’re not sure which method of flossing suits you best, chat to your orthodontist for some advice and practical tips.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Proper oral hygiene is important whether you have braces or not. Regular brushing and flossing are helpful in preventing a range of oral health issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment in the form of braces, it is particularly important that you keep your teeth and gums clean. Using the correct technique when brushing and flossing while you have braces helps prevent plaque from building up and stains from developing on the surface of the teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of issues, including infections, decay and cavities. If plaque is left to build upon the teeth, you may notice stains and discolouration when your braces are removed.

To maintain your oral health, as well as a beautiful white smile throughout your orthodontic treatment, you might consider using a specially designed toothbrush while you have braces. Interdental brushes help remove food debris from underneath the wires and around the brackets, while floss threaders and water irrigators often make flossing easier.

Besides committing to proper oral hygiene habits, it is also important to avoid certain foods while you have your braces. Foods that are high in sugar can cause serious damage to the teeth as bacteria and acid erode the enamel and lead to tooth decay. Hard, chewing and sticky foods can also be detrimental to the teeth and braces and should be avoided — these include popcorn, chewing gum, and candy.

How can we help?

At South East Orthodontics, we offer the SureSmile system, which can be used for lingual and labial braces. The treatment takes a modern approach and involves computer technology and robotic machinery to customise a treatment plan for each patient. To find out more about the braces that we offer, please have a look here.  

To arrange a consultation to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.