If you or your child wears braces, you already know the challenge, food gets trapped easily, brushing takes longer, and your gums may feel more sensitive than ever. While braces do a great job at straightening teeth, they also require extra attention to oral hygiene. At RADIUS, we believe the products you choose for this journey matter just as much as your technique. With natural, gentle, and effective oral care, you can keep your smile on track without exposing your mouth to harsh ingredients.
Why Braces Wearers Need Extra Care
Braces create more nooks and crannies where food and plaque can hide. Without consistent and effective cleaning, this can lead to:
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Gum inflammation
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White spots (early decay) around brackets
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Bad breath from trapped bacteria
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Increased tartar buildup
Daily brushing and flossing are non-negotiable, but the type of toothpaste and brush you use plays a big role in protecting teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment.
Ingredients to Avoid When You Have Braces
When you’re working to protect your mouth, less is more. Here are the common ingredients we recommend avoiding:
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
This common foaming agent can cause irritation and dryness, especially if your mouth is already sensitive from wires and brackets. Over time, SLS may even worsen mouth ulcers—something braces wearers often face.
2. Artificial Colors & Flavors
Bright blue, neon green, or glittery pastes may look fun, but artificial dyes can cause allergic reactions or mouth sensitivity. Natural flavorings are gentler and still keep brushing enjoyable.
3. Harsh Abrasives
Whitening pastes or products with high-abrasion formulas can scratch tooth enamel and damage orthodontic brackets. This makes teeth more vulnerable to decay.
4. Excessive Fluoride in Certain Cases
While fluoride strengthens enamel, too much can cause fluorosis in younger wearers. Stick with balanced, safe levels suited to your age group.
5. Artificial Sweeteners like Saccharin or Aspartame
They may make toothpaste taste sweet, but they bring no benefits to your oral microbiome and some people find they leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
Ingredients to Seek Out for Braces-Friendly Natural Care
Instead of focusing on foam and artificial flavors, look for naturally powerful ingredients that help keep teeth and gums clean without irritation:
1. Organic Coconut Oil
Known for its antibacterial properties, coconut oil can help reduce plaque buildup without harsh chemicals.
2. Chamomile & Aloe
Both are gentle, soothing botanicals that calm gum irritation, especially important when wires or brackets rub against soft tissue.
3. Olive Leaf Extract
A natural antioxidant and antimicrobial that helps keep bad bacteria in check while promoting gum health.
4. Silica from Natural Sources
A mild polishing agent that cleans without scratching enamel or damaging braces.
5. Xylitol
A plant-based sweetener that actually helps fight cavity-causing bacteria, making it a braces-friendly win.
The RADIUS Braces-Friendly Picks
We designed our products to be safe, gentle, and effective for every smile, especially those going through orthodontic treatment. Two standouts for braces wearers:
1. RADIUS Organic Children’s Coconut Banana Toothpaste
Perfect for kids and teens with braces, this USDA Organic formula is free from SLS, fluoride, artificial colors, and sweeteners. The smooth texture means it glides easily around brackets, and its naturally sweet banana flavor makes brushing less of a chore.
2. RADIUS Totz® Plus Toothbrush
With extra-soft, vegetable-derived bristles and a cushioned head, this brush is gentle enough for sensitive gums yet effective at sweeping away plaque around wires and brackets. Its handle is easy to grip, helping with the longer brushing sessions braces require.
Brushing & Flossing Tips for Braces Wearers
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Brush after every meal: Carry a travel-sized RADIUS toothbrush and toothpaste to keep plaque at bay throughout the day.
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Use small circular motions: Angle the brush to clean above and below brackets.
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Floss daily: Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to get between teeth and around wires.
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Rinse thoroughly: Even without mouthwash, a good rinse with water after brushing helps remove loosened debris.
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Be patient: It may take longer to brush, but the effort is worth it when the braces come off.
The Bottom Line
With braces, oral care isn’t just about keeping teeth clean, it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring your smile looks and feels great when the brackets come off. Choosing natural, gentle, braces-friendly products like those from RADIUS can make all the difference in your comfort and results.
Because every smile, especially one in progress, deserves care that’s as safe and healthy as it is effective.