At RiverView Orthodontics, Dr. Mike Upton and the team are proud to be your solution for comprehensive orthodontic care in Tuscaloosa and Demopolis, and that goes for inside and outside of the office. Speaking of outside of the office, what are some of the best ways to make sure you keep your teeth clean with braces? Let’s get into it!
Why Oral Hygiene Matters More with Braces
You already know that wearing braces means more visits, more adjustments, and more responsibility. But one thing many people underestimate is how braces dramatically change their oral hygiene routine. Without extra care, food particles and plaque that normally get swept away can cling tightly around brackets and wires. That increases your risk of white spot stains, enamel decay, and gum inflammation.
Essential Tools You’ll Need
When it comes to cleaning braces well, what you use matters just as much as how often you clean.
First, pick an orthodontic or soft-bristle toothbrush. We’ve found that many patients prefer electric brushes because they help you to maintain consistent pressure and reach around brackets more easily. Next, get interdental brushes or proxy brushes, which are tiny brushes that slip between wires and brackets to dislodge trapped bits. Those can be a huge help; you use them before brushing to clear debris.
Floss alone is hard with orthodontics, so use a floss threader or super floss to guide floss under the archwire. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get comfortable, you’ll access the spaces between teeth that would otherwise be missed. Finish with a fluoride or antimicrobial rinse once a day. That rinse helps reduce bacteria in areas your brush and floss did not fully reach.
RiverView Orthodontics supports you in getting the right tools. At your next appointment in Tuscaloosa or Demopolis, ask us to demonstrate the proper use or help you choose a kit that fits your needs.
Brushing Techniques for Braces
Just like most things in life, there’s a right way and a wrong way to brush! Effective brushing with braces is methodical. You’re not just sweeping across surfaces; instead, think of yourself as working around brackets and wires with purpose.
Here’s the technical breakdown: Begin by holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline, and brush gently from that angle above the brackets. Then reposition to angle downward toward the gumline beneath the brackets, brushing from both sides of each bracket. Use short strokes or gentle circles. After that, brush the chewing surfaces and inside surfaces of teeth normally. Don’t rush! Be sure to give yourself at least two full cleanings of two minutes each time.
Be particularly attentive to your back teeth, wires, and places where brackets meet tooth enamel. After brushing, you can inspect your work by shining a light or using a mirror to check if you’ve missed the spots around any brackets. If you see debris, go back and clean that spot again, gently. Over time, you’ll develop a rhythm that keeps your hardware and enamel safe.
Flossing, Interdental Cleaning & Rinses
Once you have braces, brushing only does part of the job. Many patients overlook what hides between teeth and under wires. That’s where flossing, proxy brushes, and rinsing become essential. You’ll use a floss threader or super floss to guide the floss under the archwire carefully. Slide it gently along the sides of each tooth, hugging the enamel. If this feels awkward at first, start slowly; your fingers and coordination will adapt over time.
In addition, interdental or proxy brushes help you reach spaces that floss can’t, like those small triangles between wire and tooth or the edges of brackets. Before brushing, sweep these little brushes gently to dislodge trapped bits. Finally, a rinse completes the cleanup. After brushing and flossing, swish with water to flush leftover debris. Once a day, use a fluoride or antimicrobial mouthwash to reach bacteria in crevices your tools missed. This extra rinse becomes a safety net, especially on days when you can’t brush right away.
Habit Changes & Mistakes That Set You Back
Maintaining clean teeth with braces is all about developing and maintaining consistent habits. One of the biggest mistakes people make is brushing too hard. That doesn’t make things cleaner faster. In fact, vigorous scrubbing can damage brackets or wear the enamel around edges. Gentle, steady strokes are more effective and safer in the long run.
Another common slip is skipping cleaning after meals. When you skip, food debris lingers longer, giving bacteria more time to act. That’s one reason many patients in the Tuscaloosa and Demopolis area ask for travel kits. That way, they can carry a proxy brush or mini toothbrush to clean after lunch or snacks on the go.
A third trap is sugary drinks like sweet soda or flavored teas. They can cling to brackets and coat wires in sugars that ferment, which can lead to tooth decay. Rinsing immediately after or drinking through a straw helps, but the best strategy is to limit exposure and follow up with brushing or flossing when possible.
Tips for Daily Consistency & Support
Consistency is your strongest ally. Some simple habits make a huge difference:
- Keep your cleaning tools visible. That means store your toothbrush, floss threader, and proxy brush near where you eat or brush.
- Set reminders to rinse or floss right after meals, even if a full brush isn’t possible.
- Carry a compact cleaning kit with a travel brush, proxy brush, or floss threader.
- Do a quick mirror check after eating to spot food you might have missed.
- Be patient. Your cleaning rhythm will improve. Over time, you’ll go from thinking about “how to clean braces” to doing it almost automatically. That consistency protects your teeth, supports your braces’ work, and helps your smile emerge strong.
Ready to Get Started?
Thanks for reading! Here at the office, we love getting the opportunity to reach out to our amazing patient family wherever we can. Ready to join the RiverView Orthodontics family? Consultations with Dr. Upton at our Tuscaloosa or Demopolis office are always completely free, so there’s nothing stopping you! We can’t wait to get started!