A straight smile doesn’t just happen at your orthodontist’s office—it also happens at home, one toothbrush and one piece of floss at a time. At Swenson Family Orthodontics in Orofino, we want every patient to feel confident about caring for their teeth during treatment.
Braces do an amazing job of moving teeth, but they also make it easier for food and plaque to get stuck. With the right routine, though, you can protect your teeth and gums, avoid stains, and make sure your smile looks its best the day your braces come off.
If you’ve just started treatment, you’ve probably noticed that brushing and flossing take a little more patience than before. That’s normal. Brackets and wires give bacteria extra hiding spots, which is why following brushing instructions for braces is so important. Without it, cavities, gum swelling, or even permanent marks on your enamel can sneak up on you.
Think of brushing and flossing as your way of protecting the investment you’ve made in your smile. Clean teeth move more smoothly during treatment, and healthy gums make the whole process more comfortable.
When you’ve got braces, the way you brush makes a big difference. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, tilt it at an angle above and below your brackets, and clean slowly around each wire. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces and the backs of your teeth, too.
Some patients like using an electric toothbrush because it does some of the work for you. Others carry a travel brush so they can clean up after lunch at school or work. These orthodontic brushing tips are small habits that add up to a big difference over time.
Let’s be honest—flossing with braces isn’t anyone’s favorite chore. But once you get the hang of it, it only takes a few minutes a day. A floss threader or special orthodontic floss can help you guide the floss under the wire and between your teeth. Once it’s there, just hug the tooth and gently move up and down.
If you’re looking for something quicker, water flossers are a great option, too. They don’t replace floss completely, but they make it much easier to keep your gums fresh and healthy. We’ll walk you through different orthodontic flossing techniques at your appointment and give you flossing instructions for braces you can follow at home.
At first, it may feel like brushing and flossing with braces takes forever. But within a few weeks, most patients find a rhythm that fits into their morning and nighttime routines. Keeping a little travel kit in your backpack, purse, or car can make it easier to stay on track.
Avoiding sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods will also save you time since they’re the most likely to get stuck. And at your regular visits, our team will check your teeth and give you extra pointers to keep things simple.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our orthodontic team in Orofino will show you brushing instructions for braces and walk you through orthodontic flossing techniques step by step. If you’re ever unsure, you can always ask us—we’d rather answer your questions than see you struggle.
Our goal is to make treatment smooth, comfortable, and effective. With the right daily habits and our support along the way, you’ll set yourself up for the best results possible.
At least three—after breakfast, after lunch, and before bed.
Yes. Skipping flossing makes it easier for cavities and gum irritation to start between your teeth.
It helps a lot but shouldn’t fully replace regular floss. Using both is ideal.
Rinse with water and brush as soon as you can. Don’t make a habit of skipping, though.
Floss threaders, orthodontic floss picks, interdental brushes, and electric toothbrushes are all great options.
Learning how to care for your teeth with braces takes a little practice, but it’s well worth it. At Swenson Family Orthodontics, we’ll make sure you have the right brushing and flossing instructions for braces, plus encouragement every step of the way. If you’re ready to start orthodontic care—or need a little extra help with your routine—schedule a visit with us in Orofino today.