How Often Should I Brush With Braces?

 
How Often Should I Brush With Braces?
 

Regular brushing is especially important during braces treatment because brackets and wires create additional areas where food and plaque can collect. For best results, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after meals can also help protect against cavities and gum problems.

Ideal Brushing Schedule

Brushing after meals can help keep your teeth and braces clean throughout the day. A good daily routine includes:

  • Morning: Brush after breakfast to remove food and plaque from your teeth and braces.

  • After Meals: When possible, brush after lunch and dinner to remove food particles and reduce plaque buildup.

  • At Night: Brush thoroughly before bed to get rid of plaque and bacteria.

Brushing Tips

When brushing with braces, spend at least two minutes cleaning all surfaces of your teeth. Pay special attention to the areas above and below your brackets and along the gumline. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel. If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water to help remove food particles until you can brush.

You may also need to replace your toothbrush more frequently than usual because brackets and wires can wear out the bristles faster.

Don't forget to clean between your teeth, too. Floss threaders, orthodontic flossers, and interdental brushes can help clean areas that a toothbrush cannot reach.

Caring For Braces

Keeping your braces clean is important, but protecting your brackets and wires is also part of successful orthodontic treatment. Try to avoid:

  • Chewy and Sticky Foods: Foods such as caramel, taffy, and chewing gum can stick to braces and may loosen or damage brackets.

  • Hard Foods: Hard foods can break brackets or damage orthodontic wires.

  • Sugary Foods and Drinks: Consuming sugary foods and drinks too frequently can increase your risk of cavities.

  • Using Your Teeth as Tools: Opening packages or chewing on objects such as pen lids can damage your braces.

Need Help?

At Oasis Kids Dental and Orthodontics, we are happy to answer your questions about brushing, flossing, and caring for your braces. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about keeping your smile healthy throughout orthodontic treatment. 

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