Brushing your teeth with braces is very important to keep your smile healthy and strong. If food gets stuck in your braces, it can cause cavities and gum problems. This guide will help children learn the best way to brush their teeth with braces and keep them clean every day.
Why Brushing With Braces Is Important
Braces have tiny spaces where food and plaque can hide. If teeth are not cleaned properly, this can lead to:
- Cavities (holes in your teeth)
- Gum problems like swelling and bleeding
- Bad breathWhite spots on teeth (which do not go away)
- Brushing the right way helps children keep their teeth strong and healthy during their orthodontic treatment.
Best Tools for Brushing With Braces
Using the right tools makes brushing easier and more effective. Here are the best tools for children with braces:
1. Soft-bristled toothbrush or Electric Toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on gums and cleans around brackets and wires. An electric toothbrush can also help remove plaque better.
2. Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride makes teeth strong and helps prevent cavities. Make sure to use toothpaste approved by your child’s dentist.
3. Interdental Brushes
These tiny brushes help clean between braces and wires that a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
4. Floss Threaders or Orthodontic Floss
Flossing is important, even with braces. Floss threaders help children clean between their teeth easily.
5. Mouthwash
A fluoride mouthwash helps rinse away bacteria and keeps teeth strong.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Brush With Braces
Follow these easy steps to keep teeth clean with braces.
Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth
Swish water around your mouth to loosen food stuck in braces.
Step 2: Hold Your Toothbrush at an Angle
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush in small circles. Make sure to clean above and below the brackets and the front and back of each tooth.
Step 3: Brush Around Braces and Wires
Gently brush around brackets and wires to remove hidden food and plaque.
Step 4: Brush Each Tooth Individually
Spend 10 seconds on each tooth, making sure to clean all surfaces.
Step 5: Brush Along the Gum Line
Plaque can build up near the gums, so gently brush along the gum line.
Step 6: Use an Interdental Brush
For extra cleaning, use an interdental brush to reach tight spaces between braces and teeth.
Step 7: Floss Every Day
Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to clean between teeth.
Step 8: Rinse With Mouthwash
Swish fluoride mouthwash in your mouth to remove bacteria and strengthen teeth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Children sometimes make mistakes while brushing. Here are things to avoid:
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing too hard can hurt your gums and damage your braces. Brush gently in circles.
Skipping Flossing
Flossing is just as important as brushing. It helps remove food and plaque between teeth.
Not Brushing Long Enough
Brush for at least two minutes to make sure your teeth are clean.
Using the Wrong Toothbrush
A hard-bristled toothbrush can hurt gums and damage braces. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
How Often Should Children Brush With Braces?
Follow this schedule to keep teeth clean and healthy:
Brush after every meal – Food gets stuck in braces, so brushing after eating is important.Floss at least once a day – This removes food and plaque between teeth.
Use mouthwash daily – A fluoride mouthwash strengthens teeth and prevents cavities.
Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy With BracesAvoid sticky and sugary foods – These can cause cavities and get stuck in braces.
Drink plenty of water – Water helps wash away food and bacteria.
Visit your child’s dentist regularly – Checkups help keep braces and teeth in good shape.
Use orthodontic wax for comfort – If braces are rubbing against the inside of the mouth, wax can help.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
If your child has any of these problems, visit a pediatric dentist:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Pain or discomfort from braces
- Broken brackets or wiresBad breath that won’t go away
- Regular visits to a pediatric dental specialist in Kansas City will help make sure your child’s braces are working properly and their teeth stay healthy.
Encourage Fun Brushing Habits
Make brushing time fun by playing your child’s favourite song while they brush. Let them pick a toothbrush with their favourite character and a yummy-flavored toothpaste. Reward them with a sticker chart for good brushing habits. A fun routine helps kids stay excited about dental care!
Final Thoughts
Brushing with braces takes extra care, but it helps children keep their teeth strong and their smiles bright. By using the right tools, brushing the right way, and visiting the dentist regularly, children can have a happy and healthy smile throughout their orthodontic journey.
Looking for board certified pediatric care? Visit a pediatric dentist in Kansas City to make sure your child’s braces and teeth stay in great shape.
