Get a regular brush with soft bristles. [2] X Research source Make sure the brush size and shape fit your mouth, which can help reach all areas of your mouth. [3] X Research source Buy a proxabrush, or “Christmas tree” brush, if you like. This may help you more effectively clean between braces. [4] X Research source Replace any brush with frayed bristles or every 3-4 months. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source

Use fluoride toothpaste. It can help strengthen your teeth and remove plaque, which may build up around braces with improper brushing. [7] X Research source Braces may make your teeth sensitive, so you may want to use a fluoride toothpaste formulated to minimize sensitivity. [8] X Research source

Brush whichever section you want or what makes you most comfortable. Make sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle using gentle pressure. [9] X Research source [10] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022. Make sure the brush stays in contact with the surface of your teeth and gum line. [11] X Research source Make sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth and the part of your gums that sit right above the teeth. The 45-degree angle is important to help you clean the surfaces above the brackets on the upper teeth and below the brackets on the lower teeth, since this is where plaque often accumulates. [12] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022. Brush from outer to inner tooth surfaces with short strokes and repeat the process for each section of your mouth. [13] X Research source Brush the inside surfaces of your front teeth by angling the brush vertically and making several up and down strokes. [14] X Research source Pay attention to the surfaces around and in-between your braces, which is where plaque can build up. [15] X Research source Brush chewing surfaces, your tongue, and soft palate using a scrubbing motion that gently goes back and forth. [16] X Research source Wearing braces means that your gums will always be slightly inflamed, so expect small amounts of bleeding. This is normal.

Work on two teeth at a time. [18] X Research source Insert the brush from the top of the wire between two brackets and then repeat from the bottom. [19] X Research source

Remove about 18 inches of floss from the packaging. Wrap it around your middle fingers. [22] X Research source Grasp the rest between your thumbs and forefingers. [23] X Research source Gently feed the floss between the top of your tooth near the gum and the main arch wire of your bracket. [24] X Research source Use a gentle sawing motion on the side of each tooth. [25] X Research source Ask your orthodontist if there is a specific type of floss you should use. The floss used to clean dental bridges may be a good option because it has a tip that gently goes between your teeth and gums. Try water-flossing if you don’t like regular floss or your doctor suggests it.

Swish the mouthwash in your mouth. Buy a mouthwash with chlorhexidine, which many oral care professionals recommend. Mouthwashes containing alcohol can dry out your mouth and cause bad breath. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen. [29] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022. Let your orthodontist know if you are in a lot of pain. [30] X Research source It is better to return to your orthodontist for another 5 minutes to get a small adjustment than to suffer from increased pressure, which may produce long term negative effects.

Make sure to brush your teeth at least three times a day and after every meal. Ideally, you would brush once in the morning, once after lunch or as soon as you get home from school or work, and once before bed. [32] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.

Eat lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and legumes. If you eat something sugary, consider brushing your teeth when you’re done. Some examples of sugary foods and drinks to stay away from are soft drinks, sweets, candies, and even wine.

Popcorn[36] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022. Corn on the cob Chewing gum Whole apples[37] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022. Sticky foods, such as caramel. [38] X Research source [39] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.

Grinding wears can cause sensitivity and damage such small chips and cracks in your teeth. Avoid biting your nails, opening bottles, or holding things in your mouth.

Consider using a dentist and orthodontist who work together.