Braces are great for straightening your teeth, but they also trap food and plaque in places your toothbrush doesn’t always reach. Without a good brushing routine, you risk cavities, gum irritation, and stains that could leave you with uneven coloring when your braces come off.

Keeping your smile clean with braces isn’t hard—it just takes the right tools and a little extra effort. Here’s how to keep your teeth healthy and your braces in top shape!

1. Upgrade Your Brushing Routine

A quick scrub won’t cut it when you have braces. To keep plaque under control, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush paired with:

Fluoride toothpaste to protect enamel and prevent cavities.
An interdental brush to clean around brackets and under wires.
Floss threaders or a water flosser to reach between teeth and under the archwire.
Fluoride mouth rinse to help protect against cavities in hard-to-reach spots.

Aim for two minutes of brushing, at least twice a day—but if you can, brush after meals to prevent food from settling around your braces.

2. Perfect Your Brushing Technique

Braces create a lot of little spaces where plaque loves to hide. To clean effectively:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) to avoid damaging wires or irritating gums.
Hold the brush at an angle to clean above and below each bracket, not just straight on.
Spend extra time on your gumline—healthy gums mean a healthier smile.
Brush every surface of every tooth, not just the front.
Don’t forget your tongue! It harbors bacteria that cause bad breath.

If you’re on the go and can’t brush, rinse with water or mouthwash to wash away leftover food.

3. Flossing Is a Must

Flossing might seem tricky with braces, but skipping it can lead to swollen gums and plaque buildup. Use a floss threader, interdental brushes, or orthodontic floss picks to get between teeth. If flossing feels like a chore, try a water flosser—it blasts away food and plaque with ease. Floss at least once a day—your future, braces-free self will thank you!

Braces Care at Stroope Orthodontics in Farmington and Springdale, AR

At Stroope Orthodontics, Dr. Brittany Stroope and her team want to make sure your teeth stay as healthy as they are straight. Brushing and flossing with braces takes practice, but with the right habits, you’ll be setting yourself up for a beautiful smile once treatment is complete.

Need more tips on caring for your braces? Schedule an appointment today!