How to Brush and Floss Properly With Braces: The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Teeth Healthy During Orthodontic Treatment

By Dr. Brad Santelli | Vista Orthodontics

Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving a healthier, straighter smile.

Whether you are a teenager beginning orthodontic treatment or an adult finally correcting crooked teeth, braces can make a meaningful difference in your smile.

However, there is something every orthodontic patient needs to understand:

Taking care of your teeth becomes especially important when you have braces.

Brackets and wires create additional places where food particles and plaque can collect. Without proper brushing and flossing, patients may develop cavities, gum inflammation, or white spots on their teeth.

These problems are preventable with consistent oral hygiene habits.

At Vista Orthodontics, our doctors and team want every patient to understand how to care for their teeth throughout orthodontic treatment.

This guide explains how to brush with braces, how to floss around brackets and wires, which products may help, and how parents can encourage children to maintain healthy habits.

Why Is Brushing So Important When You Have Braces?

When you have traditional braces, brackets are attached to the surfaces of your teeth and connected by orthodontic wires.

These components create additional areas where food and plaque can accumulate.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that develops on teeth throughout the day.

If plaque is not removed regularly, it can contribute to:

Tooth decay.
Gum inflammation.
Bad breath.
White spot lesions.
Enamel damage.

One concern during orthodontic treatment is the development of white spots around brackets.

These marks can become noticeable after braces are removed and may represent areas of enamel demineralization.

Good oral hygiene throughout treatment helps reduce the risk of these problems.

Step 1: Choose the Right Toothbrush

You do not necessarily need an expensive toothbrush to clean your teeth properly with braces.

A soft-bristled toothbrush is generally recommended.

Some patients prefer an electric toothbrush because it can make brushing easier and help remove plaque effectively.

Other patients prefer a traditional manual toothbrush.

Both can work when used correctly.

An orthodontic toothbrush with specially shaped bristles may also help clean around brackets and wires.

The most important thing is brushing carefully and consistently.

Step 2: Brush Above and Below Each Bracket

One of the biggest mistakes orthodontic patients make is brushing only the visible surfaces of their braces.

When brushing, you need to clean around each bracket.

Here is a helpful technique:

Position your toothbrush at an angle above the brackets.
Gently brush along the gumline and above the brackets.
Angle the toothbrush below the brackets.
Clean the area underneath the orthodontic wire.
Brush the front surfaces of the brackets.
Clean the chewing surfaces of your back teeth.
Brush the inside surfaces of your teeth.

Take your time.

Brushing around braces requires more attention than brushing teeth without orthodontic appliances.

Your orthodontist or dental hygienist can demonstrate the best technique for your particular appliance.

Step 3: Brush for at Least Two Minutes

Many people underestimate how long they actually spend brushing their teeth.

When you have braces, rushing through your oral hygiene routine can leave plaque behind.

A helpful approach is to divide your mouth into four sections:

Upper right.
Upper left.
Lower right.
Lower left.

Spend approximately 30 seconds on each section, paying special attention to the brackets and gumline.

Brushing after meals is helpful whenever possible.

At a minimum, maintain a consistent morning and nighttime brushing routine, following your dental professional’s recommendations.

Step 4: Floss Every Day With Braces

Flossing is just as important as brushing.

Unfortunately, many patients stop flossing after getting braces because they believe it is too difficult.

This is a mistake.

Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach effectively.

There are several ways to floss with braces.

Traditional Dental Floss With a Floss Threader

A floss threader is a small flexible tool that helps guide dental floss underneath the orthodontic wire.

To use one:

Place the floss through the threader.
Guide the threader underneath the orthodontic wire.
Pull the floss through.
Gently move the floss between the teeth.
Curve the floss around each tooth and clean beneath the gumline without forcing it.
Repeat between all teeth.

This technique takes some practice, but it can become easier with time.

Orthodontic Flossers

Some floss products are designed specifically for people wearing braces.

These can make it easier to reach between teeth without using a separate threader.

Water Flossers

Water flossers use a stream of water to help remove food particles and plaque around teeth and orthodontic appliances.

Many orthodontic patients find them helpful, particularly around brackets and wires.

However, a water flosser should be used according to its instructions and does not necessarily replace conventional flossing.

Your dental professional can recommend the best combination for your needs.

Step 5: Use an Interdental Brush

An interdental brush is a small brush designed to clean areas that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush.

These brushes are especially useful around orthodontic brackets and underneath wires.

They can help remove food particles that become trapped during meals.

Use gentle movements and avoid forcing the brush into tight spaces.

Interdental brushes are a useful addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.

Step 6: Consider Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.

Patients wearing braces should generally use fluoride toothpaste as recommended by their dentist.

In certain cases, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend additional fluoride products based on the patient’s cavity risk.

Examples include prescription-strength toothpaste or fluoride rinses.

These products should be used according to professional instructions.

Step 7: Watch What You Eat

Good brushing and flossing habits are important, but food choices also matter.

Certain foods can damage braces or make cleaning more difficult.

Patients wearing traditional braces are generally advised to avoid:

Hard candies.
Chewy caramels.
Taffy.
Popcorn kernels.
Ice.
Hard nuts.
Very hard crusts.
Sticky sweets.

Some foods, such as apples and carrots, may need to be cut into smaller pieces rather than bitten directly.

Sugary snacks and beverages should also be limited to reduce the risk of cavities.

Healthy eating habits support healthy teeth throughout orthodontic treatment.

What Are White Spots After Braces?

White spots are one of the most frustrating problems patients can experience after braces are removed.

They may appear as chalky or lighter-colored areas around the places where brackets were attached.

These spots can develop when plaque remains around brackets and acids produced by bacteria remove minerals from the enamel.

This process is called demineralization.

White spot lesions may be permanent, although their appearance and management can vary.

The best approach is prevention.

Brushing carefully, flossing daily, and using fluoride products as recommended can help reduce the risk.

If you notice white spots or changes in your enamel, discuss them with your dentist.

How Can Parents Help Children Brush With Braces?

Children and teenagers may need additional encouragement and supervision when they first get braces.

Parents can help establish a routine that makes oral hygiene part of everyday life.

Here are some suggestions:

Purchase a soft toothbrush that your child likes using.
Keep orthodontic cleaning supplies in an easy-to-access location.
Encourage brushing after meals.
Help younger children inspect their teeth in a mirror.
Use a timer to encourage adequate brushing time.
Schedule regular dental cleanings.
Praise consistent oral hygiene habits.

It is especially important to help children understand that taking care of their teeth is part of successful orthodontic treatment.

What Should You Do If Food Gets Stuck in Your Braces?

Food getting trapped around brackets and wires is very common.

If this happens:

Rinse your mouth with water.
Brush gently around the affected area.
Use an interdental brush if needed.
Floss carefully.
Avoid using sharp objects to remove food.

If something becomes stuck and cannot be removed, contact your dental professional for guidance.

Never use toothpicks, pins, or other sharp objects that could damage your gums or orthodontic appliances.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist While Wearing Braces?

Orthodontic appointments do not replace regular dental visits.

Your orthodontist monitors tooth movement and appliance function.

Your general dentist monitors your overall dental health, including cavities and gum health.

Many patients continue routine dental examinations and professional cleanings during orthodontic treatment.

The appropriate schedule depends on individual dental needs and should be discussed with your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing and Flossing With Braces

How many times a day should I brush with braces?

Patients should brush at least twice daily and ideally after meals when possible. Follow your dental professional’s recommendations.

Is an electric toothbrush better for braces?

An electric toothbrush can be helpful, but a manual toothbrush can also clean effectively when used correctly.

Can I use regular dental floss with braces?

Yes. You can use regular dental floss with a floss threader to guide it underneath the orthodontic wire.

Do I need a water flosser with braces?

A water flosser can be a helpful addition because it reaches areas around brackets and wires. Ask your dental professional whether it is appropriate for you.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush with braces?

Bleeding gums may indicate inflammation caused by plaque buildup. Brush gently and thoroughly, and contact your dentist if bleeding continues.

Can braces cause cavities?

Braces do not directly cause cavities. However, plaque can accumulate more easily around orthodontic appliances, increasing the risk of decay if oral hygiene is inadequate.

What happens if I do not floss with braces?

Plaque and food can accumulate between teeth and contribute to gum inflammation and cavities.

Can I use whitening toothpaste while wearing braces?

Some whitening toothpastes may create uneven color differences because the tooth surfaces beneath brackets are covered. Ask your dentist before using whitening products during treatment.

What if I have a broken bracket?

Contact your orthodontic office for instructions. A broken bracket should be evaluated so your treatment can continue appropriately.

Healthy Teeth Make a Beautiful Smile Even Better

Orthodontic treatment is about more than straightening teeth.

Maintaining healthy enamel, healthy gums, and good oral hygiene habits is an important part of achieving a successful result.

At Vista Orthodontics, our doctors and our team want patients to enjoy their smiles both during treatment and long after their braces are removed.

We are proud of our five-star patient ratings and our selection as a Top Orthodontist by The Guide to Florida for 2026.

Whether you are just beginning orthodontic treatment or have been wearing braces for months, developing excellent brushing and flossing habits can make a meaningful difference.

Visit www.vistaortho.com to learn more about orthodontic treatment and schedule a FREE consultation.

Remember: Your braces help straighten your teeth, but your daily care helps keep them healthy!

Educational information only. Oral hygiene recommendations may vary depending on your dental health and orthodontic appliance. Consult your dentist or orthodontist for individualized guidance.

About Dr. Brad Santelli

Dr. Brad Santelli is an award-winning, highly respected orthodontist in South Florida with more than 20 years of clinical experience. Throughout his career, he has helped create more than 25,000 beautiful smiles for patients throughout the region.

Dr. Santelli has consistently earned recognition for his expertise, having been named a Top Orthodontist in South Florida by Palm Beach Illustrated, Boca Raton Observer, and Guide to Florida, as well as a Top Orthodontist in America by America’s Best Dentists. He has also maintained the distinction of being a Top 1% Worldwide Invisalign Diamond Preferred Provider for more than 15 years, reflecting his extensive experience with clear aligner treatment.

As Chief Clinical Director (CCD) of Vista Orthodontics, Dr. Santelli is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized orthodontic care through advanced technology, modern techniques, and innovative treatment options. Patients at Vista Orthodontics benefit from customized treatment plans, including traditional braces and clear aligner therapy, designed to achieve healthy, confident, and beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.

How to Brush and Floss With Braces: Complete Guide | Vista Orthodontics