Having braces means there are more places for food and plaque to hide. 🦷✨ A consistent dental hygiene routine can help keep your teeth, gums, and braces clean. Here are some helpful tools and simple steps you can add to your routine. You do not need...
step 1 — start with a water flosser
start by gently flushing around your brackets, wires, gumline, and between your teeth to loosen food and plaque before brushing.
why i like it: this specific mysmile model includes an orthodontic tip designed for...
White LP211 Portable Cordless Water Flosser with 5 Modes
step 2 — use orthodontic floss
use super floss to get underneath the orthodontic wire and between your teeth where a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
why i like it: the pre-cut floss design is much easier to manage around braces than trying to work...
step 3 — gently clean between brackets
use a small interdental brush around your brackets and wires to remove the little bits of food that can easily get trapped during the day.
why i like it: interdental brushes are especially handy for those awkw...
TePe® Interdental Brush Original
step 4 — brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush
spend extra time around the brackets and gumline instead of rushing because braces create more places for plaque to hide.
why i like it: the goal is not aggressive brushing, but slow and thorough brush...
Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush
step 5 — use fluoride toothpaste
choose a fluoride toothpaste for your everyday brushing routine because braces can make keeping plaque under control more challenging.
why i like it: this version contains sodium fluoride and comes in a plant-based ...
Before Anti-Cavity SuperMint Whitening 2-Pack
step 6 — use a tongue scraper
why i like it: stainless steel is reusable, so you do not have to keep buying disposable plastic tongue scrapers.
Dr. Tung's Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner
step 7 — use fluoride mouthwash if appropriate for you
mouthwash can be a helpful extra step, but it should complement brushing and interdental cleaning rather than replace either one.
why i like it: fluoride mouthwash can fit nicely into a braces ...
TheraBreath - 16.0 oz Anticavity Fluoride Oral Rinse Sparkle Mint
Choose woven floss if you prefer a thicker floss
if you prefer a thicker woven floss, this is an option to try, but use a floss threader if you need to get underneath your braces wire.
MySmile Woven Dental Floss with Coconut Oil, Mint Flavor, 50 Yards
If you love the convenience of floss picks, look for a genuinely plant-based option and always check the manufacturer's disposal instructions before calling it compostable.
why i like it: it gives you a more convenient alternative to conventional pl...
Compostable Plant-Based Dental Floss Picks
Keep orthodontic wax in your bag for days when a bracket or wire starts rubbing against your cheek or lips.
why i like it: it is not a cleaning product, but it is one of those little braces essentials that can make an uncomfortable day much easier.