8 Braces Cleaning Tips for Healthy Teeth & Bright Smile

Thanks to braces, achieving your dream smile is within reach! But beyond your orthodontist's help, your commitment to following instructions for oral hygiene plays a crucial role in successful braces treatment.

Food particles tend to get trapped in braces, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. This can stain teeth and harm enamel. Thus, maintaining proper teeth cleaning with braces is essential for your oral health.

Here are 8 straightforward tips for cleaning teeth with braces, ensuring a healthy smile:

1. Clean After Every Meal

   While brushing after each meal is ideal, it's not always feasible. To minimize damage, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating. This helps remove food stuck in your braces.

2. Choose a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

   Opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean your gums and teeth effectively. Hard bristles can cause gum inflammation or bleeding, so prioritize a softer brush for your teeth and braces cleaning kit.

3. Master the Correct Brushing Technique

   When brushing with braces, ensure you clean all bracket parts, each tooth, the gum line, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue thoroughly. Brush at least four times daily for two minutes and replace your toothbrush regularly.

4. Floss After Brushing

   Flossing eliminates food particles stuck between teeth that brushing alone can't reach. Use special floss threads, floss picks, or a water flosser designed for braces, as regular floss might not pass through the wire gaps.

5. Try Salt Water Gargles

   Recommended by orthodontists, saltwater reduces inflammation, pain, and soreness while maintaining oral cleanliness. Aim for daily gargling, especially after getting braces or after an adjustment.

6. Adopt a Tooth-Friendly Diet

   While on braces, some foods are off-limits while others are recommended for dental health. Avoid acidic, sugary, hard, sticky, starchy, and artificially colored foods. Instead, focus on calcium and protein-rich items suggested by your orthodontist.

7. Don't Hesitate with Alternatives

   In emergencies like running out of toothpaste, consider using alternatives like coconut oil or a baking soda and water paste. They're safe to use temporarily when regular products aren’t available.

8. Regular Orthodontist Visits

   Ensure you attend all scheduled appointments. These visits provide guidance on braces cleaning and allow your orthodontist to monitor your treatment closely.

At first, keeping braces clean might feel like a challenge, but these tips will simplify the process. Maintaining a routine of thorough brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals is crucial for oral health. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are vital to monitor your treatment's progress. Feel free to schedule an appointment at Central Park North Orthodontics for specialized dental care with braces. Our dedicated team prioritizes every patient's well-being at our state-of-the-art clinic

Author Bio

Dr. Patel is an orthodontist and maintains a private practice in Rome, NY. He completed his undergraduate education at the Ohio State University. Then, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. After earning his doctorate, Dr. Patel attended a three-year, dual-degree residency at Columbia University in New York City. Here, he earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics as well as earning a Masters in Oral Biology. During his time off, Dr. Patel likes to stay active by jogging, biking, and hiking.