Brushing & Flossing

Brushing With Braces

Keeping your teeth and braces clean is an important part of successful orthodontic treatment. Food and plaque can easily collect around brackets and wires, so thorough brushing and good oral hygiene are essential.

Brushing Tips

  • We recommend brushing after every meal or snack whenever possible. We understand that isn’t always practical, so aim to brush at least three times a day—morning, midday, and before bed.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Avoid whitening toothpaste while wearing braces. Whitening ingredients may only lighten the exposed areas of your teeth, potentially leaving uneven coloring when your braces are removed.
  • Electric toothbrushes are safe to use with braces and can be an excellent choice for removing plaque. They will not damage your brackets or wires when used properly.
  • Brush around each bracket, above and below the wires, and along the gumline.
  • Hold your toothbrush at different angles to clean around brackets and wires.
  • Take your time and make sure you clean every tooth and every surface.
  • Check your smile in the mirror when you’re finished. Look closely around your brackets and wires to make sure no food or plaque remains.
  • If you can’t brush after eating, rinse thoroughly with water to help remove food particles until you have an opportunity to brush.

Helpful Orthodontic Supplies

A few simple tools can make cleaning around your braces much easier:

  • Soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush
  • Fluoride, non-whitening toothpaste
  • Interdental (proxy) brush for cleaning between brackets and under wires
  • Floss or orthodontic flossers
  • Water flosser
  • Fluoride mouth rinse
  • Travel toothbrush and toothpaste

A water flosser can be especially helpful for patients with braces, but it should complement—not replace—traditional flossing unless your orthodontist recommends otherwise.

Good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities, gum problems, and permanent white spots around your brackets. If you have questions about brushing or which products are right for you, our team is happy to help!

Preventing Decalcification

Decalcification, sometimes called white spot lesions, can occur during orthodontic treatment when plaque and food remain around your brackets. The acids produced by bacteria remove minerals from the enamel, leaving permanent white or chalky spots on the teeth.

The good news is that decalcification is largely preventable with excellent oral hygiene. We recommend brushing after every meal whenever possible, with a minimum of three times a day.

To Help Protect Your Teeth:

  • Brush carefully around every bracket and along the gumline.
  • Use a fluoride, non-whitening toothpaste.
  • Floss daily.
  • Use a Waterpik® or water flosser if recommended.
  • Limit sugary foods and drinks.
  • Check your teeth in the mirror after brushing.
  • Keep your regular dental cleanings and checkups.

Remember: Braces themselves do not cause white spots—plaque left around the braces does. Taking a few extra minutes each day to keep your teeth and braces clean can help you finish treatment with a healthy, beautiful smile.