Wearing braces can make maintaining oral hygiene more challenging, but with the right techniques, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.

Understanding Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky biofilm that naturally forms on teeth over time. Even with regular brushing, plaque can harden into tartar, a yellow, calcified substance that stains teeth and requires professional removal by a dentist or dental hygienist. Braces can create additional areas where plaque and food particles accumulate, but proper care can prevent these issues from becoming serious.

Brushing with Braces

• Brush after every meal: Removing plaque and trapped food is easier when brushing promptly after eating. Many individuals with braces also brush after snacks to reduce plaque buildup.
• Use nonabrasive toothpaste: Start by rinsing your toothbrush and applying a small amount of gentle toothpaste.
• Angle for the gum line: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to gently clean along the gum line.
• Clean around brackets and wires: Adjust the toothbrush angle to carefully brush the tops of brackets, then tilt the brush to reach underneath wires.
• Cover all surfaces: Brush thoroughly on the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Take extra time at first; while two minutes is recommended, you may need slightly longer to ensure thorough cleaning.
• Use interdental brushes (proxabrushes): These small, flexible brushes help clean under and around brackets and wires, reaching areas your regular toothbrush might miss.

Additional Tips

Consistency is key. Proper brushing and the use of supplemental tools like proxabrushes can prevent plaque buildup, protect gums, and maintain a bright smile throughout orthodontic treatment.

For personalized guidance on brushing with braces or any other orthodontic concerns, contact Glenashton Dental Centre in Oakville. Our specialists provide tailored advice to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile—even with braces.