Nov 22, 2024 - minute readminutes read

How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces to Keep Them Healthy

Many of us will go through orthodontic treatment to realign our teeth at some point in our lives. Tiny orthodontic brackets and wires are usually fitted to the front or back surfaces of the teeth. Over many months or even years, they slowly align the teeth into a better position.

If you wear braces, you know that cleaning around and under wires and brackets can be challenging. Make it easier by adopting a simple 1-2-3 routine: clean between your teeth, brush, and rinse. Follow our step-by-step guide for top tips from dental professionals.

How to floss your teeth with braces

Use a specialized floss with a built-in threader, such as GUM® EasyThread® Floss.
Insert the rigid end of the floss into the space between the teeth and under the wire.
Slide the floss section between the teeth to clean along the tooth surface and below the gumline.

Discover GUM® EasyThread® Floss

How to clean between the teeth

Use an interdental brush like GUM® Proxabrush® Go-Betweens® to clean between the teeth, around the bracket, and wherever there are larger spaces between the teeth.
Be sure you choose the right brush size for the space to be cleaned. Do not force the interdental brush into tight spaces.

Discover GUM® Proxabrush® Go-Betweens®

How to brush your teeth with braces

Choose a specially adapted orthodontic toothbrush, like the one in our GUM® Orthodontic Kit.
Use a small circular motion while sweeping the brush forward.
Brush at a 45-degree angle above, below, and around the appliance.
Also clean along the gumline and the biting surfaces of your teeth.
As usual, brush for two minutes, two or three times a day.

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Use a mouthwash

Finish up your oral care routine by using a mouthwash containing fluoride to prevent cavities and an antibacterial agent to stop plaque from building up.
A mouthwash will also reach areas you may have missed, leaving you with a fresh, clean mouth.

Discover some tips for keeping your teeth with braces clean and healthy

Why is cleaning so important during my orthodontic treatment?

Keeping your mouth clean during your orthodontic treatment can be more complex and time-consuming than usual. But if it’s not done correctly, it might lead to severe issues, as braces act as a trap for food particles and bacteria.

As you may already know, bacteria are responsible for several oral issues, so if you wear braces, you are at risk more than others. These include:

Dental plaque build-up is a sticky, pale yellow film on the surface of your teeth made of bacteria. If not removed, it can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.

White spots on teeth. When plaque and cavities attack your teeth, the enamel becomes weak, and white spots appear – but you may only notice them when your braces are removed.

Cavities. Cavities or tooth decay are soft spots in your teeth or enamel. Signs include a brown spot on the surface of your tooth or pain in a tooth. They can lead to a hole in your tooth, pain, infection, or even tooth loss.

Gum inflammation. When plaque accumulates between teeth, you might experience swollen, purple, tender, or bleeding gums. This is called gingivitis, the first sign of gum disease.

Sores and blisters. If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket or a band, poking your cheek, tongue, or gum. Painful and uncomfortable sores and blisters can appear and hurt very badly.

Speak to your dentist or orthodontist if you notice any of these symptoms.