How to Brush and Floss Properly While Wearing Braces

Traditional braces can help adults and children alike enjoy straighter smiles and overcome a variety of bite problems. That said, when you first get braces, you may find it tricky to clean your teeth properly while accounting for the presence of brackets and wires. Below are some tips for brushing and flossing with braces that can help you maintain excellent oral hygiene through every step of the orthodontic process.   

Brushing Your Teeth with Braces

Before you start the brushing process, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water, which can loosen any bits of food that may have gotten caught in your braces during the day. Once that’s done, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use it to gently clean your gumline. Then, point the toothbrush downward and use it to clean the top of the brackets; after that, turn it upward and do the same for the bottom of the brackets.

Make sure that you’re brushing each and every tooth as thoroughly as possible. For the best results, it may be a good idea to get a toothbrush that is specifically made for those who wear braces.

Plan on brushing for two minutes at least twice a day. Whenever you’re done brushing, check your teeth and braces carefully in the mirror to see if there are any food particles that you might have missed.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s essential for getting rid of the plaque that can build up in the hard-to-reach spaces between the teeth. Here are the steps for flossing with braces:

• Take a piece of dental floss that’s about 18 to 24 inches long.
• Carefully guide the floss between the main wire and your teeth.
• After wrapping the ends of the floss around your index fingers, move it up and down between your teeth.
• Carefully remove the floss before repeating the process with the next pair of teeth.

If you’re having trouble flossing with braces, it may be a good idea to try alternative methods for cleaning between the teeth. Examples include water flossers and interdental brushes.    

Don’t Forget to Visit Your Dentist

The right brushing and flossing habits can go a long way toward helping you maintain a healthy smile while wearing braces. However, you should still make a point of visiting your dentist once every six months for a checkup and cleaning. A trained dental expert can remove plaque and tartar from areas you might have overlooked. Additionally, they can identify any weak spots in your oral hygiene routine and let you know where there’s room for improvement.

By maintaining good brushing and flossing habits, you can keep your oral health on track throughout the orthodontic process and continue to look forward to the day when your braces are removed to reveal your straighter smile.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we provide a wide range of services for patients of all ages, from routine preventive dentistry to reliable traditional braces. Our multiple locations throughout the DFW Metroplex make it easier for families to get the dental care they deserve. If you’re interested in improving the health and appearance of your smile with braces, visit our website or call (214) 333-3100.