For someone wearing braces, a basic care kit usually consists of an orthodontic toothbrush, an interdental brush, a single-tuft brush, orthodontic wax, fluoride toothpaste and, if needed, a fluoride mouthwash. A water flosser and floss that can be threaded under the wire are supporting products. In this guide, we explain in plain language what each product does, how it is used and who really needs it. We do not recommend brands; the products are described by their generic names, and your orthodontist's recommendation should guide your choice.
Why do you need extra care products once you have braces?
Brackets (small holders bonded to the teeth) and the archwire create new corners on the tooth surface where food debris and plaque (a bacterial film) easily build up. An ordinary toothbrush reaches some of these corners, but the area under the bracket, the space between the wire and the tooth, and the gumline are often missed. Plaque that is not cleaned away can, over time, lead to white spots on the tooth surface (enamel demineralization, that is, mineral loss from the enamel), cavities and gum inflammation. These spots are noticed once the brackets are removed and are sometimes permanent.
That is why the goal during treatment with braces is to supplement normal brushing with a few helper tools. You do not need to use every product every day; which ones are essential for you depends on the structure of your mouth, your type of braces and your daily habits. For a step-by-step description of brushing technique, see our guide to brushing and cleaning with braces.
What is a braces toothbrush, and how is it different from a regular brush?
A braces toothbrush (orthodontic brush) is a toothbrush with shorter bristles in the middle and longer bristles at the edges, giving it a V or U shape when viewed in cross-section. The short bristles sit on the bracket and wire, while the long bristles reach the upper and lower edges of the bracket and the gumline. This way, both the bracket and the tooth surface are cleaned in a single pass.
- Bristle stiffness: Soft or medium-soft bristles are generally recommended. Hard bristles can irritate the gums and do not clean better around the brackets.
- Electric toothbrush: Can be used with braces. Orthodontic brush heads are available; use it without pressing hard, pausing for a few seconds on each tooth.
- How often to replace: Brackets wear out bristles more quickly. Replace the brush or brush head when the bristles splay, usually more often than usual.
How is it used? Place the brush at an angle of about 45 degrees to the gumline and clean the upper edge of the bracket, then the lower edge, with small circular motions. Then bring the brush directly over the bracket and work it with small vibrating motions rather than back-and-forth strokes. Do not forget the chewing surfaces and the inner surfaces of the teeth.
What do interdental brushes and single-tuft brushes do?
Interdental brush
An interdental brush is a small, cylindrical or cone-shaped brush made of bristles arranged on a thin wire stem. It is one of the most useful helper tools for people with braces, because it can pass under the archwire and clean the area between two brackets and the spaces between teeth. It comes in different thicknesses; the right size is the one that goes into the space without forcing and touches it with light friction. A brush that is too thick can injure the gums, while one that is too thin does not clean enough. You can ask your orthodontist about the right size at your check-up appointment. For details on choosing a size and using it, take a look at our article on interdental brushes.
How to use it: Gently insert the brush under the wire into the space between the brackets from above and below a few times, then pull it out. Do not twist the brush or push it in by force. For most people, using it at least once a day, preferably after brushing in the evening, is enough.
Single-tuft brush
A single-tuft brush is a brush with a single small tuft of bristles at its tip, held like a pen. It is used for spots a normal brush cannot reach, such as around the brackets, the back surface of the rearmost teeth, the nooks of crowded (overlapping) teeth and the gumline. It is especially useful around the rings (bands) on the back molars.
What is orthodontic wax, and how do you use it?
Orthodontic wax is a soft, medical-grade wax that is pressed onto spots where brackets or the wire irritate the cheek, lip or tongue. It provides relief in the first days with braces, after each wire change or when the end of a wire starts to poke. The wax has no effect on treatment; it only covers the rubbing surface temporarily, giving small sores in the mouth a chance to heal.
- Wash your hands and dry the bracket where you will apply the wax with cotton or a clean tissue; wax does not stick well to a wet surface.
- Pinch off a small piece somewhere between the size of a lentil and a chickpea, and roll it between your fingers for a few seconds to soften it.
- Press the wax onto the irritating bracket or wire end and spread it over it.
- Remove the wax before eating and brushing, then put on a new piece if needed.
Accidentally swallowing a small piece of wax is usually not a problem. However, if a wire end keeps poking, a bracket has come loose or a sore does not heal within a few days, do not keep managing with wax; call your clinic. Because it also affects what you choose to eat, we describe what you may feel in the first week on our what to eat with braces page as well.
Do you need a water flosser with braces?
A water flosser is a device that removes food debris from between the teeth, around the brackets and under the wire with a thin, pressurized stream of water. It is a handy aid for people with braces, because water easily reaches places a brush has trouble getting to. However, a water flosser does not scrape and remove plaque as effectively as a brush; it does not replace brushing and interdental brushes, it complements them.
- Start at low pressure and increase the setting as your gums get used to it.
- Hold the tip at a right angle to the gumline and pause for a few seconds at each space between teeth.
- It can be practical for removing debris after meals when you cannot get to a toothbrush right away.
- Clean the device's reservoir and tip regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A water flosser can be especially helpful for people with bleeding gums, those who find interdental brushes hard to use and those with limited manual dexterity. We cover in detail how it works and how it differs from dental floss in our article on water flossers.
Why are fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash recommended?
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and increases its resistance to decay. One of the basic ways to reduce the risk of white spots around brackets during treatment with braces is to use a fluoride toothpaste. Spitting out the excess foam after brushing, instead of rinsing your mouth with plenty of water, helps the fluoride stay on the teeth longer.
A fluoride mouthwash is an additional layer of protection and is not needed by every patient. Your orthodontist may recommend it for patients with a high risk of cavities, early signs of white spots or inadequate oral hygiene. Mouthwash does not replace brushing; it is generally advised to use it at a different time from brushing. Alcohol-based mouthwashes can cause dry mouth in some people; ask your orthodontist which type of mouthwash is suitable for you. For children, the amount of fluoride products and their suitability for the child's age should always be discussed with the dentist.
Which product is used when?
The summary below gives a general idea of a daily routine. Ideally, set your own routine together with your orthodontist at your check-up appointments.
| Product | What does it do? | When? | Who is it a priority for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodontic toothbrush | Cleans the bracket and the tooth surface together | At least twice a day, after meals if possible | Everyone with braces |
| Interdental brush | Cleans under the wire and between brackets | At least once a day | Most patients with braces |
| Single-tuft brush | Back teeth, around bands, nooks | During evening brushing | People with crowding, those with buildup in the back area |
| Orthodontic wax | Reduces irritation of the cheek, lip and tongue | The first days, after wire changes, when something pokes | People experiencing irritation |
| Water flosser | Removes debris with a stream of water | Optional, in addition to brushing | People with bleeding gums, those who find interdental brushes hard to use |
| Fluoride toothpaste | Strengthens enamel | Every time you brush | Everyone with braces |
| Fluoride mouthwash | Additional protection against decay | If your orthodontist recommends it, at a different time from brushing | People at high risk of cavities or white spots |
A small care kit you can carry with you
Being able to clean your teeth after eating at school, at work or while traveling makes a big difference throughout treatment. It is practical to carry the following in a small pouch:
- A folding or short-handled orthodontic toothbrush and a small tube of fluoride toothpaste
- A few interdental brushes (ones with caps are more hygienic)
- Orthodontic wax
- A small mirror
- Water for times when you cannot brush; rinsing your mouth with water after eating removes some of the debris
Which products should you avoid or use with care?
- Hard-bristled brushes: Can wear away the gums; they do not give better results around the brackets.
- Abrasive whitening toothpastes: Because the areas under the brackets will not be whitened, a color difference may appear at the end of treatment. If you are considering whitening, it is generally better to plan it with your dentist after treatment ends.
- Toothpicks and sharp objects: Can bend the wire, loosen a bracket or injure the gums.
- Chewing gum or other substances instead of wax: Gum sticks to the brackets; for irritation, use only orthodontic wax.
Is care different for clear aligner wearers?
Yes. Because clear aligners are removable, the teeth are cleaned with a normal toothbrush and dental floss; separate supplies (a soft brush, cleaning tablets, a storage case) are used for the aligners themselves. We describe these products separately on our clear aligner care products page. If you are weighing up which treatment suits your daily life better, our clear aligners vs. braces comparison may help. You can find the general process of fixed braces on our braces treatment page.
What should you discuss with your orthodontist when choosing care products?
At check-up appointments, your orthodontist assesses whether there is plaque buildup around the brackets, gum inflammation or early white spots. Based on these findings, you can discuss your interdental brush size, whether you need a mouthwash, or whether your brushing technique needs to change. Keep the care instructions you were given on the day your braces were fitted, and if you are unsure about a product, ask before using it. Care does not end when treatment ends; you can find what to do during the retention period in our retainer guide.
If you are considering braces or clear aligner treatment in Ankara, you can make an examination appointment with Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.), at Funda Sarıkaya Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic in Oran, Çankaya. Your care routine is also planned together with you at the examination. For details, see our braces in Ankara page.