😬 A Simple Routine That Actually Works
Your child got braces, and they look sharp in more ways than one. To keep teeth clean with braces, you’ll need a routine that reaches around brackets and wires where food and plaque like to hide. At the same time, braces are doing their job and straightening your child’s teeth. However, home care has to keep up, too. That’s why learning how to brush with braces matters so much—especially after meals.
🪥 Keep Teeth Clean With Braces: How To Brush Your Teeth With Braces
Brushing with braces is a process. Still, it becomes simple once it turns into a routine. In other words, practice makes progress. Let’s begin:
- First, rinse with water to loosen food lodged around your braces. 💧
- Then, start brushing at the gumline at a 45-degree angle (we recommend a brush designed for braces).
- Next, place the toothbrush on top of the brackets, angling down to brush the top of each bracket.
- After that, reposition and brush the bottom of the bracket and the wire by angling the toothbrush up.
- Finally, brush every tooth at the gumline and above and below the brackets to remove plaque and food debris.
Additionally, some older kids may still need help until they feel comfortable with the angles. So, if it takes time, that’s normal—it’s a learned skill.
🧵 Keep Teeth Clean With Braces: How To Clean Between Your Teeth With Braces
Your child should also master cleaning between teeth with braces. Because a toothbrush can’t reach every tight space, flossing (and flossing tools) matters. The ADA highlights daily cleaning between teeth as part of strong home care.
Here are helpful flossing-with-braces tips:
- First, try a floss threader to make flossing with braces easier.
- Next, consider a water flosser to help flush out food particles in tight spaces (it can be a useful option for some people).
- Then, after brushing, rinse with mouthwash if your dentist recommends it, since it can support a healthier mouth.
It can take time for your child to get comfortable with brushing and cleaning between teeth with braces. Therefore, support them and encourage them when things feel bumpy. And finally, even with braces, kids still benefit from regular dental cleanings and checkups (the right schedule depends on individual needs).
Want help building a braces routine that sticks—or worried about plaque around brackets? Smiles For Health can help your child stay on track during orthodontic treatment. 💛
