Brushing with braces takes a little more attention than brushing without them. The key is to clean around the brackets, wires, gumline, and all tooth surfaces without applying too much pressure. Braces make it easier for food particles and plaque to become trapped in little nooks and crannies, so daily cleaning is especially important.
A good routine doesn't have to be complicated. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, used for a few minutes of careful brushing, can help you clean around each bracket methodically. Interdental brushes, floss threaders, or water flossers can then help clean areas your regular toothbrush can't reach effectively.
Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important When You Have Braces?
Brackets and wires create extra spaces around your teeth where food and plaque can become trapped. Some of these areas are difficult to reach with ordinary brushing motions. If plaque is allowed to accumulate around the brackets and gumline, it can cause cavities, gum problems, and white spots on the teeth.
That's why orthodontic hygiene requires more attention than a standard brushing routine. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends brushing your teeth several times a day during orthodontic treatment and using an interproximal brush to reach those hard-to-reach spots. It's also important to floss every day because toothbrush bristles don't clean effectively between teeth.
Brushing removes plaque from many areas of your mouth, but it doesn’t effectively reach every space between your teeth. Learning how to clean between your teeth can help make your daily oral hygiene routine more complete.
How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces
If you notice food stuck around the brackets or wires, rinse your mouth with water first. Then use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. When brushing, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and use gentle, controlled strokes rather than scrubbing aggressively.
Next, clean above and below each bracket. Angle the toothbrush downward to clean the area above each bracket, then angle it upward to clean underneath. Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Work methodically around your mouth so you don't accidentally miss any brackets.
Pay attention to the gumline, where plaque tends to build up between the gums and teeth. Don't just brush the exposed tooth surfaces; clean the brackets themselves and the areas around the archwire as well. Move around the orthodontic hardware using gentle circular motions without applying unnecessary pressure.
Finally, look at your mouth in the mirror. Check for food particles or visible plaque around the brackets, wires, and gumline. If any area still looks rough or dirty, brush it carefully again. This simple check can help you identify areas that your usual brushing technique might miss.
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine starts with understanding how to brush your teeth properly
How Often Should You Brush?
When you have braces, it's especially important to keep your teeth clean throughout the day. The American Association of Orthodontists also recommends that people with braces brush their teeth with toothpaste after every meal. If you can't brush immediately after eating, rinse your mouth with water and brush as soon as you can.
Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions based on your appliance and oral health needs. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and make sure you brush before going to bed. Cleaning your teeth during the day can be easier if you carry a small toothbrush, toothpaste, and an interdental cleaner with you to school, work, or other places away from home.
Further Resources
A regular toothbrush is important, but other orthodontic cleaning tools can help you reach difficult areas. Interdental brushes may help clean around brackets and under wires, while a floss threader can help guide traditional dental floss under the archwire. A water flosser can also help flush food debris out of hard-to-reach areas.
You can choose either a manual or an electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can make brushing easier for some people, and a timer can help you keep track of brushing time. However, the most important thing is to use your preferred toothbrush carefully and thoroughly. Your orthodontist can recommend the tools that work best for your particular braces and cleaning needs.
What Not to Do
Don't assume that because braces make your teeth harder to clean, you need to brush harder. Too much pressure can irritate your gums and damage orthodontic appliances. Instead, brush gently and carefully around each bracket and wire. If you're in a rush, you may leave plaque behind, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Don't neglect flossing or interdental cleaning just because braces make these tasks more difficult. Food trapped between your teeth and around orthodontic hardware may remain hidden even after brushing. Also, don't ignore broken brackets or loose wires. If something is damaged, contact your orthodontist so it can be properly evaluated and repaired.
How Do You Clean Between Your Teeth With Braces?
You'll need a way to clean between your teeth that works around the archwire. A floss threader can help you guide dental floss under the wire before cleaning between your teeth. Other options include interdental brushes for cleaning around brackets and wires, and water flossers for removing loose food particles.
Use whichever method you can apply correctly and consistently. Your dentist or orthodontist can demonstrate the correct technique for your specific braces. Remember, brushing and cleaning between your teeth serve different purposes, so you should continue cleaning between your teeth as part of your orthodontic oral hygiene routine.
Call Your Orthodontist If Something Goes Wrong
If you notice a broken bracket, a loose wire, or any other problem with your braces, contact your orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists advises reporting damaged orthodontic appliances as soon as possible. If left unrepaired, they may interfere with your treatment.
Tell your dental professional if you experience persistent swelling, bleeding, discomfort, or difficulty cleaning certain areas. These problems may require individual guidance rather than simply brushing harder. Regular dental and orthodontic appointments also allow your dental team to monitor your teeth, gums, and progress during treatment.
The goal when learning how to brush with braces isn't just to make the brackets look clean. It's to protect the teeth and gums underneath and around your orthodontic appliance. Brush gently, clean around each bracket and wire, clean between your teeth, and follow the instructions provided by your orthodontic team.
Educational Note: This article provides general oral health information and is not a substitute for specific advice from your dentist or orthodontist.
The Bottom Line
When you're learning how to brush with braces, the goal is to be thorough—not to brush harder. Clean the gumline, the areas above and below each bracket, the brackets themselves, and the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
It's just as important to clean between your teeth because braces create more places where plaque and food can become trapped. Use the cleaning tools your orthodontist recommends, and contact them if a bracket or wire becomes loose or breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should You Brush When You Have Braces?
The AAO recommends brushing for two minutes each time as part of a regular oral hygiene routine. If you wear braces, you may need a little more time if two minutes isn't enough to clean around every bracket and wire thoroughly.
Is It Okay to Use an Electric Toothbrush With Braces?
Yes. You can use an electric toothbrush with braces. Don't scrub hard; instead, brush gently around the brackets, wires, gumline, and other tooth surfaces.
Should You Brush After Every Meal When You Have Braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that people with orthodontic appliances brush their teeth after each meal, if possible. If you can't brush immediately, rinse your mouth with water and brush when you can.
How Do You Floss With Braces?
A floss threader can help you guide regular dental floss under the archwire and between your teeth. Interdental brushes and water flossers can also help clean hard-to-reach areas around braces.
Do Braces Cause White Spots on Teeth?
Orthodontic treatment can lead to white spots on teeth when plaque isn't adequately controlled. The AAO points out that braces create extra places where plaque can accumulate, so it's important to clean carefully.
What Should You Do If a Bracket or Wire Breaks?
Have your orthodontist check a broken bracket or loose wire. The AAO recommends reporting orthodontic problems as soon as possible so your treatment team can assess what needs to be done.
Sources & References
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) - orthodontic hygiene, brushing frequency, interdental cleaning, broken appliances, and braces-related oral care. American Association of Orthodontists
- Oral-B - practical orthodontic brushing technique and cleaning tools, with professional
review. Oral-B
- Healthline - supporting information on brushing with braces and general brushing technique. Healthline
Image Credits:
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Medical Disclaimer
SmileScribeHub provides general dental and health information for
educational purposes. This information does not replace personalized advice,
diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified dentist or other healthcare
professional. If you have persistent pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, or
another concerning symptom, consult a qualified dental professional.
Written by Henry Don
Founder of SmileScribeHub, where I research and write clear, accessible, and evidence-informed educational content about dental and oral health.My articles are researched using reputable dental, medical, academic, and public-health sources. I am not a dentist or licensed healthcare professional, and my content is provided for general educational purpose.