How do i brush my teeth with braces on?

Question

I just got braces today. They're only on the top and i'm getting the bottom braces tomorrow. So the dentist was in a rush and did not explain how to brush my teeth.

So i'm wondering do i just brush my teeth like normal? Should i gently brush it? Do i brush the brackets too or just around the brackets?

Can i still use mouthwash, floss, etc...??

Answer 1

I got my top braces on today too :)

I think you brush gently or your gums are gonna be sore from the wires...I think. Just be prepared for the wax.

Answer 2

First, once you leave the office the braces are cured so you shouldn't have to worry about them coming off at all.  Just make sure you don't eat anything on the "restricted foods" list they should have given you.  Your mouth will be sore for a few days getting used to everything.  It may also slur your speech for a few days until you get used to them.  All of that is normal.

There are some things that will help.  I am going to give you my routine, which has product suggestions.  You may not be able to get/find these, but if you can, I recommend them.

First and foremost: GET A WATERPIK ULTRA!  Flossing with braces is nearly impossible, so using a WaterPik Ultra on the highest setting will help clear a lot of food from between your teeth and braces.  I use mine 2-3 times a day, everyday.  They run about $60, but you can find them at most drug and discount stores and online. (Personally, I think one of these should come as a free gift from your orthodontist whenever you get braces, they work so well!)

As far as toothbrush, I was given a sample of a special toothbrush that Oral-B makes just for those with braces.  I still haven't tried it, though, because I like my PULSAR Toothbrush in combination with any of the Aqua-Fresh Advance Care toothpastes (because the tooothbrush vibrates and the toothpaste foams to get in between teeth better, I think.)

And, if you can afford it, there is a mouthwash called "Smart Mouth."  It is very expensive compared to store brand mouthwash, but it really works better, I've found.  The cheapest I've seen it is $10.99 at Wal-Mart.  Second best:  Use some hydrogen peroxide mixed with some generic mouthwash in your WaterPik tank every once in a while.  It will help with the gums and breath at the same time.  Just make sure you run a clean container of water only after you do that to flush out the WaterPik.

Answer 3

When you have braces, floss is  not a very nice, essential equipment to use, but you can still using mouthwash. I had braces, i used to brush my teeth normally. However, my dentist told me to brush onto the surface of the metal braces, on the side of them and under them. I don't know if your dentist provide you this equipment of not. It looks like a tooth brush, but they have one long, thin brushing stuff instead of the normal brushes. It really help. Gud luck^^

Answer 4

Yes you still brush your teeth like normal and make sure to floss through the wires and this might help go to youtube and search Fry orthodontic specialists and they will show you how. Hope this will help

Answer 5

The best thing to do is to get an electric toothbrush or even a sonic care toothbrush.

http://www.sonicare.com/why/sonic.asp <<<

I would recommend you still floss and use mouthwash. :)

Answer 6

DO floss.  It's especially important with braces.  You'll need some flossers. Go here for some how to info http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalheal...

DO use mouthwash.

YES brush everything including the brackets.  You don't have to be super gentle but you may want to since your teeth are probably sore.  

Answer 7

do everything you did before, brush the brackets, floss, and use mouth wash.

Brushing is no different, you just have metal in your mouth,

and make sure you brush when you get up, before bed, and after every meal.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

yes you still brush the same way you did before with out them

yes u brush the brackets too lol just like u didnt have them (:

and yes u can still floss u floss by putting it under the wire and yes u can use mouth wash

(: i have braces! getting them off 2 weeks !!  

Answer 9

Ask your dentist for a good orthodontic brush, he can recommend something that will work well.

Mouthwash I believe you can continue to use whatever you are currently using.

As far as flossing there is nothing better than the Platypus ortho flosser, Check it out on youtube.  It's simple and fast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhHV5Ugan...

Good Luck!

Answer 10

Well it's a bit different.

You have to brush above the braces so it cleans your gums and the upper part of your teeth.

Then you brush the lower part of your teeth. This way, it cleans both above and below the brace.

Then if you think that your braces didn't get brushed, feel free to brush them as you would have before.

Mouthwash and floss are fine, though there is a specific way to floss.

Put the floss under the metal wire and floss the WIRE. Then you floss your teeth as you would have before.

You should brush 3 times a day since plaque forms easier, and floss once a day.

Hope I helped. :)