How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces: Tips from Sacks Orthodontics

Brushing with Braces (the Right Way)

Brushing your teeth with braces can feel tricky at first. But with the right technique, it will become second nature — we promise. Proper brushing keeps your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment and helps prevent staining around your brackets.

In this quick video, Christopher from Sacks Orthodontics in Livingston, NJ shows you exactly how to brush your braces effectively.

Brushing with Braces: Step-by-Step

If you're more of a reader, here’s a breakdown of what our team covers in the video:

1. Use a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush

Always choose a soft-bristle toothbrush. It’s gentle on your gums but still effective at cleaning around your brackets and wires.

2. Brush After Every Meal

Aim to brush for 2–3 minutes after every meal. This helps remove trapped food and plaque before it can cause damage.

3. Cover All Angles

Don’t just brush the front of your brackets! Spend time brushing:

• Above the braces (between the brackets and your gums)
• Directly on the braces
• Below the braces (between the brackets and the edge of your teeth)

4. Break It Into Sections

Divide your mouth into four sections and spend about 30 seconds on each. Take your time and be gentle — especially near your gums.

5. Don’t forget to floss!

Brushing is just one part of keeping your smile healthy during orthodontic treatment. Learn when and how to floss with braces →

Brushing Tips for Braces: The Details Matter

Brushing your teeth with braces isn’t just about covering the basics — how you brush can make a big difference in your results. Here are a few key tips to help you clean effectively and avoid plaque buildup or white spots around your brackets:

Use the Right Angle

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This helps clean the area where your teeth meet your gums — a common place for plaque to build up.

Then, angle your brush downward to clean above the brackets, and upward to clean below the brackets. Braces create small ledges and edges where food and plaque can hide, so it’s important to adjust your angle and be thorough.

Brush in Small, Gentle Circles

Avoid scrubbing back and forth. Instead, use small, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth and braces. This helps avoid damaging your enamel or irritating your gums — especially since you’ll be brushing more often.

Brush for 2–3 Minutes Each Time

Set a timer if it helps! Divide your mouth into four sections — top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right — and spend about 30–45 seconds brushing each one.

Brush After Every Meal (Or Rinse!)

Brushing after every meal is ideal when you have braces, since food tends to get caught in your brackets and wires. If you can’t brush right away, rinsing your mouth with water is a good temporary solution until you can get to a toothbrush.

Thinking about braces for yourself or your child?

Schedule a free consultation with Sacks Orthodontics to find out if braces are the right fit. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.