Wearing braces helps straighten your smile, but it also makes cleaning your teeth harder. Wires and brackets trap food, making it easier for plaque and tartar to build up. That’s why it’s still important to get your teeth professionally cleaned—even while you’re going through orthodontic treatment.
Here’s everything you need to know about dental cleanings with braces, including what to expect, how often to go, and tips for keeping your teeth healthy at home.
Why Cleanings Still Matter With Braces
Braces often stay on for 6 months to 2 years. That’s a long time for food and bacteria to collect around wires, brackets, and bands. Even with daily brushing and flossing, it’s tough to get every spot. Missing those areas can lead to tooth decay, gum swelling, white spots, bad breath, and even longer treatment time if problems come up.
Professional cleanings help remove buildup in places your toothbrush can’t reach. Cleanings also let your dental team check for any signs of cavities or irritation around the braces.
How Braces Make Cleaning Harder
Braces create more surfaces for food and plaque to stick to. Brackets and wires make it tricky to move the toothbrush properly. Flossing becomes harder, too, since you can’t slide floss between your teeth the same way.
Because of this, people with braces are more likely to experience:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Cavities between teeth
- Stained enamel
- Bad breath
Regular dental cleanings help prevent these problems and keep your braces on track.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Most people need a dental cleaning twice a year. But with braces, it’s usually better to get cleanings 2 to 3 times a year—or more if you’re at higher risk for cavities or gum problems.
Things that may affect how often you need to go include:
- Family history of dental problems
- How well you brush and floss at home
- Eating a lot of sugary or sticky foods
- Taking medications that cause dry mouth
- Whether you wear removable orthodontic appliances
Your dentist may suggest cleanings every 4 months instead of 6 if you’re more prone to plaque buildup.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning With Braces?
A dental cleaning with braces is mostly the same as a regular cleaning, but it might take a little more time. Here’s what usually happens:
- Checkup – The hygienist examines your teeth and gums, looking for signs of gum disease, cavities, or other issues.
- Scaling – They use a tool to remove plaque and tartar from around your teeth and braces.
- Polishing – Your teeth get polished with a gritty toothpaste to smooth out surfaces and remove stains.
- Flossing – Special tools like floss threaders or water flossers may be used to clean between your teeth.
- Fluoride Treatment – A fluoride gel or rinse may be applied to help protect your enamel from decay.
The whole visit usually takes a bit longer than normal because of the extra care needed to clean around braces.
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Clean at Home
You don’t have to wait for your next appointment to keep your teeth in good shape. Daily care at home is just as important. Here are some simple tips:
- Brush at least twice a day, especially after meals and snacks. Use a soft toothbrush or an electric one made for braces.
- Use an interdental brush or a proxabrush to clean around brackets and under wires.
- Floss once a day using floss threaders or a water flosser to get between your teeth.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
- Avoid sticky or sugary foods that can get stuck in your braces and feed plaque.
- Drink water after eating to help wash away food and acids.
Sticking to these habits makes your cleanings easier and helps prevent white spots, which can stay on your teeth even after the braces come off.
Common Questions About Cleanings With Braces
Can I whiten my teeth while wearing braces?
It’s not a good idea. Whitening can cause uneven results because the areas under your brackets won’t lighten. It’s better to wait until after treatment.
What if a wire or bracket comes loose during a cleaning?
If something comes loose, let your orthodontist know right away. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can help protect your mouth from irritation.
What if I already have a cavity before getting braces?
Small cavities can often be treated while the braces are still on. But it’s better to take care of dental work before starting treatment when possible.
Why does my mouth feel sore after a cleaning with braces?
A little soreness is normal because your gums may be sensitive or the cleaning required more pressure around the brackets. It usually goes away in a day or two.
Is mouthwash safe to use with braces?
Yes. Using a fluoride or antimicrobial mouthwash daily can help kill germs and strengthen your enamel.
Keep Your Smile Healthy With Regular Cleanings
Braces help straighten your teeth, but they also make cleaning tougher. Getting professional cleanings every few months helps prevent problems and keeps your treatment moving forward. Combined with good brushing and flossing habits at home, you’ll set yourself up for a healthier smile once the braces come off.
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, or if you’re starting orthodontic treatment, call (303) 933-2522 to schedule your next dental cleaning.
Category: Orthodontics