How to brush teeth with braces

Hygienist Alice O’Hagan demonstrates the most effective way to brush your teeth while wearing braces while undergoing orthodontic treatment. An effective brushing technique can greatly reduce your risk of tooth decay.

 
 

Braces & tooth decay

Having braces on makes it difficult to reach hard-to-reach places. As a result, food particles can become trapped in the mouth, causing tooth decay. Braces can also demineralise tooth enamel, making it more difficult to fight off bacteria.

What causes tooth decay?

DENTAL PLAQUE

This occurs when dental plaque (soft white film) develops on the surface of the tooth and sugar is introduced in the mouth. The bacteria in the plaque metabolises the sugar and converts it into acid, this acid can then destroy the tooth surface, therefore causing tooth decay. 

DENTAL CAVITIES

Caries or cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, drinking sugary drinks, and not properly cleaning your teeth. When teeth are cleaned twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and interdental aids such as floss and tape brushes, the risk of caries is reduced. 

Your oral hygiene toolkit

TOOTHBRUSH
Use a soft, small-headed toothbrush and (if necessary) a single-tufted toothbrush for difficult-to-reach areas.

FLOSS
Superfloss has a stiffened end to make threading between your teeth easier. 

INTERDENTAL BRUSHES
To clean in-between the teeth, around arch wires and hard to reach areas.

WATER FLOSSER
After brushing and flossing, an additional rinse to help wash away leftover food and reduce plaque buildup.

Tips during treatment

MINIMISE PLAQUE BUILD UP

For good oral hygiene, brush your teeth three to four times a day, for two to three minutes and always before bedtime. It is essential to minimise plaque buildup around the fixed appliances and tooth surfaces. Poor oral hygiene during treatment can lead to cavities, white spots and a longer treatment time.

WASH YOUR REMOVABLE DEVICE

Your removable orthodontic appliance must be washed twice daily to remove bacteria, ideally in the mornings and before bedtime. Using Steradent (antimicrobial agent) will inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens that can develop on the surface.

USE FLUORIDE

Fluoride, a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water, helps prevent decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks. It can also inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria and prevent further dental decay. 

Plaque build-up can lead to white spots or decalcification marks on the tooth surfaces, a sign of early dental decay. Fluoride speeds up the build-up of healthy minerals (remineralisation) in the enamel and reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Effective techniques

    1. Brush at a 45-degree angle, ensuring the bristles contact the gum line for effective plaque removal.  

    2. Continue in a small circular motion for 20 to 30 seconds for each tooth. You must remove the sticky white substance (dental plaque). 

    3. Brush on top of the bracket and then under the bracket in a circular motion. 

    4. Clean the chewing surface of each tooth with a back-and-forth motion. 

    5. Use the heel of the toothbrush to clean the inner surface of your front teeth. 

    1. Flossing removes the bacteria in the areas that the toothbrush cannot reach and removes 40% of the plaque/ bacteria in your mouth.

    2. When flossing it is important to follow the curvature of the tooth, make a “C” shape around each tooth and gently slide the floss beneath your gums.

    3. Release the floss and repeat in-between each set of teeth every day.

    1. When paired with twice-daily brushing, flossing can help remove debris and plaque for cleaner teeth and healthier gums.

    2. Starting with your back molars, follow your gum line to clean tooth-by-tooth, holding the water stream over each tooth for approximately two secon

Braces & eating

    1. Brush at a 45-degree angle, ensuring the bristles contact the gum line for effective plaque removal.  

    2. Continue in a small circular motion for 20 to 30 seconds for each tooth. You must remove the sticky white substance (dental plaque). 

    3. Brush on top of the bracket and then under the bracket in a circular motion. 

    4. Clean the chewing surface of each tooth with a back-and-forth motion. 

    5. Use the heel of the toothbrush to clean the inner surface of your front teeth. 

    1. Flossing removes the bacteria in the areas that the toothbrush cannot reach and removes 40% of the plaque/ bacteria in your mouth.

    2. When flossing it is important to follow the curvature of the tooth, make a “C” shape around each tooth and gently slide the floss beneath your gums.

    3. Release the floss and repeat in-between each set of teeth every day.

What to do if you have concerns over your oral hygiene?

If you are concerned over your dental hygiene, contact us to schedule a consultation to accurately diagnose your concerns. We will help put your mind at ease and suggest a course of treatment that will deliver the best outcome possible.