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How To Clean Braces
By Limestone Hills Orthodontics
How To Clean Braces: A Comprehensive Guide
Start by brushing your teeth after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to angle your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the brackets and wires. Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue too! Next, use an interdental brush or floss threader to get between your teeth and under the wires. This might take a little practice, but you’ll be a pro in no time. Consider using a mouthwash to rinse away any leftover debris and keep your breath fresh. If you’re trying to find the answer to “How To Clean Braces”, keep on reading!

Why Cleaning Braces Is Important
Braces work by slowly shifting your teeth into the correct position. However, because they have brackets and wires, food and bacteria can easily get trapped. If plaque builds up, it can cause problems like:
- Cavities – Bacteria feed on leftover food, producing acids that wear away tooth enamel.
- Gum Disease – Poor cleaning can lead to swollen, bleeding gums, which may make your treatment more uncomfortable.
- White Spots – If plaque stays on your teeth too long, it can cause permanent white stains.
- Bad Breath – Trapped food and bacteria can create an unpleasant smell.
The good news is that with proper cleaning, you can avoid these issues and keep your teeth in great condition while wearing braces.
Best Tools for Cleaning Braces
Cleaning braces is different from regular tooth brushing. You need extra tools to clean around brackets and wires properly. Here are some of the best tools to use:
1. Choosing the Right Toothbrush
- Manual Toothbrush: A soft-bristle toothbrush is best for braces. It helps clean around brackets and wires without being too harsh on your gums. Brush at an angle to remove plaque from all sides of the brackets.
- Electric Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush can make cleaning easier because the vibrating bristles help remove plaque more effectively. Look for one with a sensitive setting to avoid damaging your braces.
2. Flossing with Braces
Flossing is harder with braces, but it is very important to clean between your teeth. Here are some tools that can help:
- Floss Threader: This small tool helps you thread regular floss under the wires of your braces so you can clean between your teeth.
- Orthodontic Floss: This type of floss is stiffer on one end, making it easier to slide under your braces.
- Water Flosser: A water flosser sprays a stream of water between your teeth, helping remove food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
3. Interdental Brushes
An interdental brush is a small, thin brush designed to clean between your teeth and around brackets. It can reach areas that a regular toothbrush might miss.
Daily Cleaning Routine for Braces
Brushing and flossing with braces takes extra time, but it is worth the effort. Follow this simple routine every day to keep your teeth and braces clean:
Morning Routine:
- Brush your teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. Make sure to brush all surfaces, including around the brackets and gumline.
- Use an interdental brush to clean around the brackets and wires.
- Floss using a floss threader or water flosser to remove plaque between your teeth.
After Every Meal:
- Rinse your mouth with water to wash away loose food particles.
- Brush your teeth if possible, or at least use an interdental brush to clean around brackets.
- If brushing isn’t possible, chew sugar-free gum or rinse with mouthwash to help remove bacteria.
Nighttime Routine:
- Brush your teeth again, taking extra care to remove any food stuck in your braces.
- Floss thoroughly using a floss threader or water flosser.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities.
Common Cleaning Challenges and Solutions
Cleaning braces can sometimes be tricky, especially when food gets stuck. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
- Food Stuck in Braces – Use an interdental brush or water flosser to remove food particles.
- Plaque Build-up – Make sure you are brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can help prevent plaque from hardening into tartar.
- Sore Gums – If your gums feel sore from flossing, rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
What Foods to Avoid for Easier Cleaning
Certain foods can make cleaning your braces more difficult and increase your risk of cavities. Try to avoid:
- Sticky foods like caramel, gum, and chewy candy that can get stuck in your braces.
- Hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and ice that can break brackets or wires.
- Sugary snacks like soda, juice, and candy, which can increase plaque buildup.
Instead, choose braces-friendly foods like yogurt, soft fruits, steamed vegetables, and lean meats.
How to Keep Your Breath Fresh with Braces
Bad breath can be a problem if food gets trapped in your braces. To keep your breath fresh:
- Brush and floss regularly to remove food particles.
- Drink plenty of water to rinse away bacteria.
- Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free mints to keep your mouth moist.

Why Choose Our Orthodontic Practice in Austin, TX?
At our orthodontic office in Austin, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care for every patient. Here’s why families continue to trust us with their orthodontic treatment:
Skilled and Experienced Orthodontists
Our team has years of experience helping children, teens, and adults achieve healthier, more confident smiles. Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or jaw alignment treatment, we have the expertise to deliver outstanding results.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every smile is unique, and we believe your treatment should be too. We design customized orthodontic plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the most effective and comfortable care.
Support Throughout Your Journey
From your first consultation to the final stages of your treatment, we’re here for you every step of the way. Our friendly team is always available to answer questions, make adjustments, and keep you on track toward your perfect smile.
A Wide Range of Treatment Options
We offer various orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign, traditional metal braces, and reverse pull headgear. No matter your dental concerns, we’ll help you find the best treatment for a straight, healthy smile.
Contact Us Today!
Come visit us in Austin, TX, for a free consultation! We’ll check your teeth, talk about your options, and explain how we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Scheduling is easy—just call us or visit our website to pick a time that works for you. Our friendly team is excited to help and answer all your questions!
About the Authors
Dr. Rodrigo Viecilli – Orthodontist in Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tool to clean your teeth with braces?
When it comes to keeping your teeth clean with braces, a trusty orthodontic toothbrush is your best friend! These brushes are specially designed with a smaller head and softer bristles to navigate around brackets and wires with ease. Pair it with an interdental brush or a water flosser to reach those tricky spots between your teeth and braces. And don’t forget the fluoride toothpaste to keep your smile bright and healthy.
How to clean under braces wire?
First, grab an interdental brush or a proxabrush, which are small brushes designed to fit under the wires and between the teeth. Gently slide it under the wire and move it back and forth to remove any food particles or plaque. You can also use a water flosser, which uses a stream of water to clean those hard-to-reach areas under the wires. Don’t forget to brush your teeth thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the brush to reach the top and bottom of the brackets.
How to get rid of braces band stains?
First off, make sure you’re brushing your teeth after every meal using a good whitening toothpaste. This helps keep stains at bay. Also, try to avoid foods and drinks that are known culprits for staining, like coffee, tea, and berries. If you can’t resist, just rinse your mouth with water afterward. You might also want to give flossing a go, as it helps remove any food particles that could contribute to staining.