How to Brush Teeth with Braces

Brushing with braces is not markedly different from what you would normally do. You can use either a regular or a powered toothbrush, and the same motions required for brushing teeth can still be used. Because of the hard, metallic surface of braces, vigorous brushing will likely wear out a toothbrush even faster — so aggressive or powered-brush users may need to replace their brush more often. An end-rounded bristle can be more effective with braces than a regularly shaped toothbrush.

Braces apply constant pressure to straighten and align your teeth, but they aren't adding extra protection — in some ways, they do the opposite. Plaque is the build-up of bacteria on your teeth. If left unattended, it can attack the enamel, eventually causing tooth decay, cavities, and even affecting the gums. Plaque can just as easily affix itself to braces, using them as a "beachhead" from which to spread to the teeth and gums.

Flossing is still an essential task, especially now that there are more areas for food to get trapped. Regular dental floss can be more time consuming and difficult to use, but it's still possible. A tool called a "floss threader" significantly lessens the difficulty of getting the floss under or between arch-wires.

A water flosser, while not quite as effective as regular dental floss, is still a very effective boost in getting plaque out of hard-to-reach places that a toothbrush finds difficult — a great addition to your braces care routine.