How can I clean my braces?

Table of contents


• - The importance of clean braces
• - Cleaning a locking bracket
• - A plastic brace
• - Cleaning a block brace
• - Tips for cleaning braces
• Polish your teeth well
• Use a brush to clean your braces
• Using water flosser for braces cleaning
• Rinse your mouth with mouthwash if necessary
• Clean your braces with cold water and a soft toothbrush
• - Keep your mouth and braces clean

You know that? That you talk to someone while they have a whole meal stuck between their braces? Gross huh! Not only is it dirty, it is also bad for your teeth. If you need braces yourself besides flossing regulary, you probably don’t want people to experience the same with you. Besides, you probably want your teeth to last for many years to come. You may be asking yourself: How do I clean my braces? Below you can find 5 simple tips for bracket cleaning. So you can show off your beautiful smile without fail!

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The importance of clean braces

How to clean braces depends on the type of braces you have:

Cleaning a locking bracket

A locking bracket consists of metal clasps that are attached to the teeth. A metal bar is placed between these clasps. If necessary, rubber bands can be put around the clasps for extra traction. With such braces, there is plenty of room for food particles and bacteria to accumulate. Good brushing is therefore very important. Poor cleaning or bad brushing can cause white spots around your clasps. This is decalcification of the tooth, causing cavities to develop quickly. Not only the your teeth, but also your braces must be kept clean to prevent this.

A plastic brace

A plastic brace is a transparent and removable mouth brace used to correct and straighten teeth. The braces are custom-made and consist of thin plastic sleeves (aligners) that are pushed over the teeth. By using a new set regularly, the teeth are straightened little by little.

These braces are therefore removable and contain no metal clasps or wires. Both teenagers and adults can use these custom-made braces.

Because the braces are around the teeth, bacteria can easily build up between the braces and the teeth. It is therefore important to brush both the braces and the teeth several times a day.

Cleaning a block brace

Block braces are also known as activators. These braces are used when there is an overbite. The brace can only be used on growing children. A block brace is used to control the growth of the jaws, so that the lower and upper jaw will fit together neatly.

These braces are custom-made using your own teeth model. It is a removable bracket that, if desired, can be transparent. For good results, it should be worn as long and as often as possible.

Because the bracket is removable, it is easy to see where dirt is located. So the braces are easy to brush. But the teeth and gums also need some extra attention. After all, the metal on the block brace can irritate the gums. With poor brushing, this will cause inflammation.

Tips for cleaning braces

Polish your teeth well

From the moment you have braces, you should really start brushing your teeth at least twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal. Brushing should be done with an electric toothbrush or a soft toothbrush. When brushing, keep a fixed order and don’t skip any parts. Brushing properly takes some time. Especially if you wear braces.

Use a brush to clean your braces

If you have braces, start by cleaning between the brackets. To do this, you can use a small brush called a brush. Your normal toothbrush can’t get between the brackets properly. Using an interdental brush will remove dirt and plaque and help prevent gum inflammation.

Using water flosser for braces cleaning

To make sure even more dirt and bacteria disappear from your mouth, you can use a water flosser. This uses a powerful jet of water to spray the dirt out from between your teeth. A kind of high-pressure jet especially for teeth! But don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt. It even feels nice and fresh. If you are not sure which water flosser is best to buy, we would like to recommend the water flosser by Fleeck. It is pleasant to use and gives good results.

Rinse your mouth with mouthwash if necessary

By using mouthwash, you can keep your mouth cleaner, fight bad breath and prevent cavities in places that are difficult to reach with your toothbrush. Try rinsing after every meal and especially before going to bed. This way, you will also rinse away the last bits of food and prevent plaque growth.

Clean your braces with cold water and a soft toothbrush

If you have removable braces, just brushing your teeth is not enough. But, how do you clean your braces? Otherwise, you will immediately reintroduce dirt and bacteria to your brushed teeth. Clean your braces with cold water and a soft toothbrush. Make sure you have enough light to see and brush away debris properly. Using toothpaste is not necessary here, but is allowed. To prevent scaling on the braces, soak them in denture cleaner once a week.

Keep your mouth and braces clean

Did you know that a mouth, even without braces, contains around 700 different strains of bacteria? Braces make that number even bigger. So: How do you clean braces at home? Here are the tips again:

– Brush your teeth regularly and properly

– Use brushes

– Use a water flosser

– Use mouthwash

– Brush your braces with a soft toothbrush and cold water.

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Written by

Kim Schouten

In recent years, she has worked in various areas to improve oral health care for both young and old. Oral care is an essential part of daily care. This is because good oral care is not only important for the mouth, but also for overall health. Therefore, it is very important to create awareness and share knowledge about this.