Fixed braces are effective at straightening teeth, but brackets and wires can make everyday cleaning a little more difficult. Food and plaque can get caught around them, so adjusting your usual brushing routine is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
Why Cleaning Is Harder With Fixed Braces
Brackets and wires create extra surfaces where plaque and food particles can collect. This means your usual brushing routine may not reach everywhere. If plaque is left to build up, it can cause staining, gum inflammation and, in some cases, early signs of tooth decay around the brackets.Brushing Technique That Actually Works
Use a soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush and brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Take your time around each bracket, brushing above, below and around it. An interspace brush, sometimes called a single-tufted brush, can help clean the small areas a standard toothbrush may miss.- Brush after every meal where possible.
- Angle the bristles towards the gumline and bracket edges.
- Replace your toothbrush when the bristles start to fray.
