Brushing and Flossing With Braces

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Braces create additional areas where food and plaque can collect, so good brushing and flossing habits help prevent cavities, swollen gums, and permanent white marks on the teeth.

A little extra attention each day can make a big difference in keeping your smile healthy throughout treatment.

Brushing With Braces

Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and after meals whenever possible.

When brushing:

• Brush along the gumline using small, gentle motions.
• Angle your toothbrush above and below the brackets to clean around the braces.
• Brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
• Pay special attention to areas around brackets, wires, and between the teeth.
• Take your time. Rushing makes it easy to miss areas where plaque collects.

An electric or manual toothbrush can work well—the most important thing is using good technique and brushing thoroughly.

Flossing With Braces

Flossing around braces takes a little more effort, but it is an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Floss at least once each day to remove plaque and food from between the teeth and underneath the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach.

A floss threader, orthodontic floss, or other orthodontic cleaning aid can make it easier to guide floss underneath the archwire.

Gently move the floss between the teeth and along each side of the tooth, taking care not to pull forcefully against the wire.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy During Treatment

Excellent oral hygiene helps keep your orthodontic treatment on track and protects the smile we're working together to create.

Continue seeing your family dentist for regular cleanings and dental checkups throughout orthodontic treatment. If you're having difficulty keeping a particular area clean, let our team know. We're happy to help you improve your technique or recommend additional tools that may make cleaning easier.