Brushing your teeth changes when you’re wearing braces. What used to take two minutes now takes a little more time and attention, and if you’re not careful, it’s easy to miss the spots that matter most. The good news is, you don’t need a complicated routine. You just need one that works for braces.
Patients in Mullica Hill often come in unsure if they’re brushing the right way or doing enough. Our board-certified, friendly orthodontist, Dr. Bowen, and the team at Bowen Family Orthodonticswant you to understand that the goal is to help you feel confident about your daily care so your teeth stay clean, healthy, and on track during treatment.
Follow These Simple Brushing Tips for Braces
Braces give food more places to hide. That’s just the reality. However, you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine; you just need to be a little more deliberate on what you eat.
Go Step by Step
Start with a quick rinse. Swish some water around your mouth to loosen up anything stuck. Then, if you wear rubber bands or any removable pieces, take them out first.
Use a soft toothbrush (manual or electric) and stick with a gentle toothpaste. Nonabrasive formulas are bestwhile you’re in braces.
From there, try this:
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush along your gumline first.
- Then angle it downward to clean the top of each bracket.
- Next, angle it upward to clean under the wire.
- Don’t forget the backs and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Take your time. You should be brushing for about two minutes, minimum. It might feel longer at first, but it’ll start to feel automatic once you’re in the habit.
Don’t Skip These Tools
Sometimes brushing alone isn’t enough to get into the tight spots around your braces. Here’s what Bowen Family Orthodonticssuggests:
- Floss threaders or orthodontic flossers (they make flossing with braces doable)
- Proxabrushes (also called interdental brushes, great for between brackets)
- Water flossers (a solid option if string floss isn’t cutting it)
- Antibacterial mouthwash for a final rinse
Even if it feels like a lot at first, having these on hand makes a difference. You’re less likely to get frustrated or skip steps when it’s all right there.
Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid
There are brushing tips for braces to make sure you get the best outcome, and there are mistakes to know about to avoid. Here’s what Dr. Bowen recommends you watch for.
Brushing too fast
Speeding through your routine often means plaque gets left behind. Slow down enough to hit every surface.
Using a hard toothbrush
Hard bristles can damage both your enamel and your brackets. Stick with soft bristles and let the brush do the work.
Skipping floss
Yes, it’s annoying with braces. However, it’s the only way to get what brushing can’t reach. If you’re struggling, try a water flosser; it’s worth it.
Not checking your work
A quick mirror check goes a long way. You’ll be able to catch missed spots before they turn into stains or plaque buildup.
Forgetting to clean around the brackets
The tiny areas around each bracket are magnets for food. Make sure you’re brushing above, below, and around each one.
What About Invisalign?
If you’re wearing Invisalignaligners, you’ve got it easier, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Since the aligners are removable, brushing and flossing are more straightforward. There’s a catch, though: your teeth have to be clean before you put the aligners back in.
Here’s the routine:
- Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything but water.
- Brush and floss before putting them back in.
- Clean your aligners with clear, gentle soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Putting aligners back in over food particles traps bacteria, and that can lead to cavities and yellowing. So even though it’s faster than brushing around brackets, it still takes consistency.
Make It Easier on Yourself
Getting into a rhythm is vital. These habits can make the whole routine smoother.
- Keep a travel kit: A mini toothbrush, toothpaste, floss picks, and a mirror can save you when you’re out and about.
- Use a mirror: It’s easy to miss spots when you’re brushing blind.
- Try music or a timer: If your two minutes feels like forever, let a short playlist or a phone timer keep you on track.
- Set reminders: Especially right after meals, so plaque doesn’t get time to harden.
You don’t need to aim for perfection every time; you just want to stay consistent enough that nothing builds up.
When Your Child Gives You a Hard Time About Brushing
Some kids jump right into their braces routine. However, some may seem uninterested or lack the motivation to keep up with braces care. If your child is brushing too fast, skipping steps, or flat-out avoiding it, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.
This phase is common, but it can lead to bigger issues if it drags on too long. Here’s how to keep it from turning into a daily battle.
Make it visual
Sometimes kids need to see what’s being missed. Use a disclosing tablet or plaque-revealing rinse to highlight the spots that still need brushing. This isn’t to shame them; it just makes it more real.
Set a timer
Two minutes can feel like forever to a kid. Use a timer, a favorite song, or even a fun brushing app to keep them on track without nagging.
Break it down
If they’re overwhelmed, slow it down. Walk them through each section like the gumline, brackets, wires, and chewing surfaces. Repetition helps build muscle memory.
Let them take ownership
Create a small brushing kit just for them. When kids have their tools (a favorite toothbrush, flossers they picked out), they’re more likely to stick with it.
Ask what’s getting in the way
Sometimes it’s not about the brushing, and it’s more about frustration with the braces themselves. Checking in can make them feel heard and give you clues on what needs adjusting.
Keep Your Smile on Track
It doesn’t have to feel like a struggle, especially when you have the right brushing tips for braces, tools, and support. If you’re noticing buildup, missed spots, or your child is having a hard time sticking to the routine, we can help.
Dr. Bowen can walk you through what’s normal, what to adjust, and how to make the daily care feel easier. Contact our teamat Bowen Family Orthodonticsif you have questions or need a quick visit at our Mullica Hill office.