1224 McFarland Blvd. NE Tuscaloosa, AL. 35406
205-750-0081
Braces change the way you care for your teeth. What used to be a simple routine now takes more focus and a little more time to do right. Brackets and wires create spots where food can hide, and if you’re not brushing carefully, it’s easy to miss them.
If you’re in treatment with Dr. Whitaker at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics in Tuscaloosa, there are specific tips that will help you keep your teeth and braces clean without overthinking it. Small changes can make a big difference in keeping your smile healthy during every stage of treatment.
Brushing after every meal isn’t always doable, but rinsing is. A quick rinse with warm water can help dislodge food before it has a chance to get stuck and hardened around your brackets. Even just swishing for 10–15 seconds can make brushing more effective.
If you have time for a full routine, start with a rinse and then brush normally, just with a few small tweaks.
Braces change how you access your teeth. Instead of brushing flat across each surface, you’ll need to adjust the angle of your brush to reach all sides of the brackets. This is one of the most vital brushing tips for braces. Here’s how to do it:
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush where the tooth meets the gum.
Tilt your brush downward and gently clean along the tops of the brackets and wires.
Now angle the brush upward to get under the brackets and clean below the wire.
Use small, circular motions to get into the edges where plaque can build up.
This can feel awkward at first, especially if you’re used to brushing quickly. However, once your muscle memory kicks in, it becomes second nature.
You don’t need anything fancy, but your tools should work with your braces, and this is one of the most important brushing tips for braces.
Skip whitening toothpaste while you’re in treatment. It can cause uneven shades when the brackets come off.
Flossing with braces takes more effort, but it’s a non-negotiable part of keeping your gums healthy and preventing decay between the teeth. A few tools that make flossing easier:
These help you slide floss underneath the wire so you can get between each tooth.
These tiny brushes slide between brackets and can clean areas your toothbrush might miss.
While not a replacement for actual floss, water flossers are a great add-on for flushing out debris around brackets.
Even once a day makes a huge difference. Pick the method that feels least frustrating and stick with it.
It’s easy to focus all your attention on the brackets, but your gums need care too. During treatment, some people notice a little swelling or tenderness, especially early on. That’s normal, and it usually improves once your brushing and flossing are dialed in.
Use light pressure and follow the natural curve of your gumline as you brush. If your gums are bleeding or feel overly irritated, mention it during your next visit so Dr. Whitaker can check it out.
Brushing harder doesn’t clean better; it just risks damaging your brackets or irritating your gums. What works is brushing thoroughly for two minutes, ideally after each meal, or at least twice a day.
Set a timer, use an electric brush, or listen to a song. Whatever makes those two minutes feel less like a chore.
Taking your time now makes your treatment more effective and lowers your risk of things like white spots or cavities later.
After you brush and floss, give your mouth one final rinse. It’s a small step, but it helps flush out any leftover debris that may have come loose during cleaning. Think of it as your reset button, as it leaves everything feeling fresher and cleaner.
If you’re using a fluoride rinse, now’s the time to swish it around for a full 30 seconds. That extra boost of protection helps strengthen your enamel and guard against cavities while your braces are doing their thing. Just remember to avoid eating or drinking for about half an hour afterward so it can work.
The team at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics in Tuscaloosa is here to support you, but what you do at home each day has the biggest impact on your oral health and how well your treatment works. Stick with your brushing and flossing routine, ask questions if anything feels off, and don’t stress if it takes a little time to find your rhythm.
Orthodontic treatment is a process, and you’re doing your part every time you brush with care.
Dr. Whitaker and the team at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics are here to help. If you’re unsure whether you’re brushing the right way or just want a few more brushing tips for braces, don’t hesitate to ask during your next visit.
The Tuscaloosa office is always accepting new patients and ready to support you through every stage of treatment. Reach out anytime, and we’ll make sure you have what you need to keep your smile on track.
July 1, 2025
