So you’ve gotten together with Dr. Durham and the team at Durham Orthodontics, and you’ve either already had your braces bonded or you’re about to—great! That means you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles. Of course, now that you’re here, you’re going to want to know how to keep up your oral hygiene with braces. Read on to learn more!
Why Oral Hygiene Matters with Braces
When you have braces, keeping your teeth clean becomes more important and a little more challenging. Brackets and wires create small spaces where food and plaque can easily hide, making it harder to reach every surface with a toothbrush or floss. Without extra attention, these areas can trap bacteria that lead to staining, cavities, or even gum irritation.
Good oral hygiene protects the investment you’re making in your teeth. Clean teeth move more efficiently, which means your treatment can stay on schedule and your smile can look its best once the braces come off. Dr. Durham and his team are committed to helping you master simple, effective habits that make a big difference in your results.
The Risks of Skipping Braces Care
When plaque and food debris build up around brackets, they create acids that erode enamel and irritate gums. This can lead to white spots, which are small areas of early decay that stay visible even after your braces are removed. Poor hygiene can also cause swollen gums or longer treatment times, as inflammation makes tooth movement less predictable.
By brushing and flossing regularly, using the right tools, and following the advice of your orthodontic team, you can prevent these problems before they start. Clean braces mean a smoother process and a healthier, more confident smile.
The Benefits of Staying Consistent
Consistency is everything. Just a few minutes twice a day can make all the difference in how your smile looks when your braces come off. Brushing after meals removes plaque before it hardens, and flossing clears the spots your toothbrush can’t reach. These small habits help ensure that your teeth and gums stay as healthy as they are.
A beautiful smile begins with a clean foundation, and maintaining that foundation is easier than you might think.
Brushing with Braces: Techniques & Tools
Brushing with braces takes a little extra time and technique, but it quickly becomes second nature once you know what to focus on. The goal is to reach every surface of the teeth, including around brackets and under the wires, to remove any food particles and prevent plaque from building up.
The Right Brush for the Job
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with a small head so you can reach tight areas. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, gently brushing above and below each bracket. Short, circular motions work best, and it’s worth spending at least two minutes to make sure every tooth gets attention.
If you prefer a manual toothbrush, orthodontic brushes with V-shaped bristles are designed specifically for cleaning around braces. For an even deeper clean, an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can help you brush effectively without pressing too hard.
Toothpaste & Rinsing Tips
Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. Make sure to brush along the gumline, where plaque can easily hide, and finish with a fluoride mouthwash to wash away any lingering debris. Rinsing after meals, even with just water, can also help loosen food particles that might get stuck between brackets.
Timing & Consistency
The best routine is one you can stick to. Aim to brush after every meal or snack whenever possible, and at least twice a day if you’re on the go. Keeping a travel toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste in your backpack, purse, or car makes it easy to stay consistent.
And remember that every bit of care counts. Even a quick rinse after lunch helps protect your teeth and keeps your braces looking and feeling fresh.
Flossing & Interdental Cleaning with Braces
Flossing is one of the most important steps in maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Even with thorough brushing, tiny bits of food and plaque can hide in places your toothbrush cannot reach. Regular flossing removes that buildup, protects your gums, and keeps your smile healthy throughout treatment.
Flossing Tools That Make It Easier
Traditional floss can be tricky to maneuver around wires, so finding the right tools makes all the difference. Many patients use a floss threader to guide floss under the archwire and between the teeth. Superfloss, which has a stiff end for threading and a spongy center for cleaning, is another great option. Interdental brushes and water flossers also work well for cleaning tight spaces around brackets. The goal is to remove debris without tugging on wires or irritating your gums.
Dr. Durham often recommends that patients keep a few different tools on hand until they find the one that fits their routine best. Consistency matters more than method, and using the tool you like will make you more likely to stick with it.
Flossing Technique
Use about 18 inches of floss, threading it carefully under the wire before moving it gently up and down between the teeth. Avoid snapping or forcing the floss, which can hurt your gums. Spend a few seconds between each tooth, and don’t forget to clean under the gumline where plaque tends to collect. Interdental brushes can be used afterward to clean around each bracket, and a quick rinse with water or mouthwash will wash away loosened particles.
Building the Habit
At first, flossing with braces can feel slow or frustrating. The key is to build it into your daily routine so it becomes automatic. Many patients find it easiest to floss right before bed, when they have more time. A small mirror can help you check your work until you feel confident doing it by touch.
Flossing takes only a few extra minutes but prevents issues that could delay your progress. A little patience and consistency each day will pay off when your braces come off and your teeth are not only straight but spotless.
Creating a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
A strong daily routine makes oral hygiene second nature. Once brushing and flossing become part of your day, keeping your braces clean feels simple and rewarding. The goal is to build habits that protect your smile from morning to night.
Morning and Night Habits
Start the day by brushing thoroughly before breakfast to remove any plaque that has built up overnight. At night, take a few extra minutes to clean every surface before bed. Combine brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash to protect your teeth while you sleep. Think of this as your “reset” time.
After Meals and Snacks
Food particles can stick to braces after eating, especially softer or sticky foods. Carry a small travel brush or orthodontic pick so you can quickly clean up when you’re away from home. Rinsing with water after snacks also helps loosen trapped food and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
Tracking Your Progress
Some patients find it motivating to track their daily routine with a checklist or progress chart. Marking each successful day builds momentum and keeps you accountable. Dr. Durham and his team love seeing patients who take pride in their routine, because that consistency shows up in the results.
By keeping your smile clean throughout treatment, you help ensure your final reveal looks as beautiful as it feels.
Need More Tips? Give Us A Call!
We’re glad you’ve taken the time to learn a little more about oral hygiene with braces, but remember, we’re always available to answer your questions! Just give us a call at our Madison office at (256) 672-2856. Or do you need to get started? Great! Consultations are always free, so there’s nothing stopping you! We can’t wait to meet you!