How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces On

When you wear braces, it may be difficult to clean your teeth as thoroughly as needed. But if you want to avoid tooth decay and unsightly stains when the braces come off, you must learn some helpful tricks to brush your teeth with braces on.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Allow yourself plenty of extra time when you brush your teeth with braces on. A slap-happy approach just before you dash out the door won't work well when you're wearing braces. It takes extra time to maneuver around the braces and extra care to clean them properly. Keep in mind you're not just brushing your teeth, you must also clean the braces themselves.

2. Purchase a two-sided hand mirror that has a magnified mirror on one side. This is a helpful tool when you brush your teeth with braces on. Use the magnifying side of the mirror to look carefully for food particles and debris you may have missed when brushing. Use it occasionally during the process of brushing, then look into the mirror again after you are done. Check to make sure that the braces are clean and free of particles.

3. Rinse your mouth about half-way through your brushing instead of simply afterward. Braces get all kinds of stuff stuck in them. Rinsing with water is as important as brushing. Water helps loosen and remove anything that may be stuck around or in your braces.

4. Pay extra attention to each detail of healthy tooth-brushing hygiene when you brush your teeth with braces on.