Cleaning Braces: How to Keep Your Smile Clean During an Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatments are more than a way to achieve a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile: they can be the secret to a healthy mouth for years to come. Malocclusions can foster tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ disorders over time, so dentists recommend braces in Pompano Beach if they notice even the slightest misalignment. 

However, knowing how to keep your braces clean is fundamental to the success of your orthodontic treatment. Here are some tips on how to brush and floss daily with braces. 

The Importance of Keeping a Clean Smile with Braces 

Braces are intricate orthodontic appliances made of various parts. Thin metal wires are connected to brackets attached to the patient’s teeth to exert pressure and gradually move them into the desired position. Bands could be added in certain situations to improve movement. 

But all of these surfaces are potential places for food debris to accumulate, which can result in problems like: 

• Cavities: Plaque can build up in difficult-to-reach places created by braces, resulting in tooth decay. 

• Gum Disease: Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, can be brought on by plaque that irritates the gums around braces. 

• Stains: Improper removal of food particles and plaque can result in discoloration of the teeth or the area surrounding the brackets. 

• Extended Treatment Time: Problems resulting from poor oral hygiene may make braces necessary for longer periods. 

How to Brush with Braces 

Brushing with braces requires a little bit more technique than brushing without braces. With a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean the surface of your teeth and the area around the brackets by positioning it at a 45-degree angle to your gums. 

Use circular motions on each tooth, careful not to loosen the brackets. Food particles and plaque can easily become trapped in each bracket’s top, bottom, and sides, so be sure to brush these areas. Lastly, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Food is most likely lodged in these areas, particularly when wearing braces. 

• Pro Tip: It’s crucial to spend at least two minutes brushing every surface of your teeth and brackets to ensure they are clean. 

How to Floss with Braces

Flossing is one of the most important steps in cleaning your braces. While flossing with braces can be tricky, removing plaque and food particles between your teeth is essential. You may need a floss threader or orthodontic floss to guide the floss behind the wires. 

To floss with braces, you can: 

• Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to pass the floss behind the wire of your braces. 

• Gently slide the floss between your teeth and move it up and down to remove plaque. 

• Repeat this process for each tooth. 

If you still struggle, consider using an interdental brush or a water flosser to eliminate plaque from every nook and cranny in your smile. 

• Pro Tip: Flossing at least once daily, ideally right before bed, can help avoid cavities and plaque accumulation. 

Ensure the Success of Your Braces in Pompano Beach 

Braces treatments come with a little responsibility. Besides dietary restrictions and care habits, committing to maintaining good oral hygiene is key to achieving a beautiful smile. If you don’t clean your braces effectively, food particles, plaque, and bacteria can build up, which may lead to cavities, gum disease, or longer treatment times.  

We created this guide to help you maintain your oral health and ensure that your treatment proceeds smoothly. If you have any questions about how to care for your smile with braces, chat with our virtual assistant or reach out to Park Plaza Dental for a personalized assessment!