Article Overview  - Brushing & Cleaning Teeth with Braces

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How To Clean Teeth With Braces

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Before brushing

Your child should take off elastics and any other removable parts of their orthodontic appliance. For removable appliances, take them out after every meal for cleaning.

Brush teeth

They should clean each tooth individually. First, they should place their brush at a 45-degree angle from the gum line, then apply gentle pressure whilst moving in a circular motion. They should do this for about 10 seconds, using the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, and tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

Clean the braces

Your child should hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and brackets of their braces. They need to brush from the top of each wire down to the bottom. They should take the time to ensure that all plaque and debris is removed, and that they work all the way around upper and lower teeth. For removable braces, clean them over a sink filled with water. This helps to prevent damage to the brace if you accidentally drop it. Brush the brace with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove all food and debris. Be careful not to damage the wires. Once it's clean, put the brace back in the mouth.

Interdental brushes once a day

Have their dental professional show them the best way to clean between the teeth and braces. Also, they should follow the instructions on the product package. They may also want to use an interdental product designed for braces and orthodontic work, like a single-tufted toothbrush or floss.

Protecting your child's teeth

Braces put their teeth at greater risk of developing decay, therefore they need to keep their teeth strong by using fluoride toothpaste, containing 1350-1500 ppm. Brushing should be undertaken twice a day at a minimum and preferably after every meal. If their dentist or orthodontist feels they are at greater risk of tooth decay, they may increase the fluoride concentration by (i) prescribing a stronger toothpaste (such as one containing 2800 ppm fluoride), (ii) applying fluoride varnish to their teeth two to four times a year when they visit them or (iii) asking them to use a fluoride mouthwash at a different time than tooth brushing.

Spit, but do not rinse after brushing

Rinsing after brushing will wash away the fluoride toothpaste which is needed to strengthen their teeth. This dilution effect is why even a mouthwash straight after brushing is bad news as it dilutes the fluoride around their teeth.

Remind them to take care with what they eat and drink

It is inadvisable to eat very hard products, such as nuts or hard or sticky sweets, such as fudges or toffee. It is also important to limit sugary foods and drinks. Help them set up a food schedule to keep their teeth healthy. A good example is 3 meals, 2 healthy snacks a day, and only water or milk in between. They should watch out for foods with hidden sugars. Find out more about what foods are best for your child's teeth

Discolouration of the braces

Your child should also remember that the elements of braces on teeth (the so-called ligatures) may become stained. That’s why they should avoid eating foods containing strong colorants, such as beetroots, blackcurrants, berries, curry sauce, or grape juice.

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