At RADIUS, we believe that every smile deserves to shine — even when it's going through the important transformation that braces provide. We know that brushing with braces can be a little more challenging, but with the right tools, techniques, and patience, it’s absolutely possible to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile throughout your orthodontic journey.
Braces help align your teeth and improve your bite, but they also create extra spaces where food and plaque can hide. That’s why taking extra care with your oral hygiene routine is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about brushing with braces and how RADIUS products can help you make the process easier, safer, and more effective.
Why Oral Care Is Extra Important with Braces
Braces add brackets, bands, and wires to your mouth — all of which create new surfaces and small spaces where bacteria can accumulate. Without thorough cleaning, this buildup can lead to:
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Plaque buildup
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Tooth decay
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Gum inflammation
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Permanent staining (white spots)
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Bad breath
With a little extra effort and the right tools, you can prevent these problems and keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
How Often Should You Brush with Braces?
When you’re wearing braces, brushing twice a day isn’t enough. Orthodontists recommend brushing after every meal and snack to keep food debris and plaque from building up around the brackets and wires.
That might sound like a lot, but good habits now will protect your teeth for years to come. If brushing after every meal isn’t possible, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and brush as soon as you can.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Braces
Not all toothbrushes are created equal, especially when you have braces. You need a brush that can gently but effectively clean around brackets and wires without damaging your gums or enamel.
At RADIUS, we design our toothbrushes with thoughtful features that make a real difference:
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Vegetable-Based Bristles: RADIUS Source toothbrush feature ultra-soft, vegetable-derived bristles that are perfect for sensitive teeth and gums — ideal for people wearing braces.
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Large Oval Brush Head: Our uniquely shaped brush heads, like the ones on the RADIUS Original Toothbrush, cover more surface area for a more efficient clean.
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Ergonomic Handles: Our designs prioritize comfort, helping you maintain better control while brushing around brackets and wires.
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Replaceable Heads (for the Big Brush): Help reduce waste while maintaining a fresh brush for better hygiene.
Softness matters more than ever when you have braces. A hard brush can damage the orthodontic hardware and cause gum irritation. Our ultra-soft bristles are designed to clean thoroughly without causing harm.
Best Techniques for Brushing with Braces
Using the right technique is just as important as using the right toothbrush. Here’s a simple routine to help you brush effectively:
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Start by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen any food particles.
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Angle your toothbrush at about 45 degrees towards the gumline.
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Brush above the brackets, using small, gentle circular motions.
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Brush below the brackets in the same way.
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Brush the brackets themselves, gently cleaning all around the wires.
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Don't forget the chewing surfaces and the backs of your teeth.
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Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Take your time — it should take about 2–3 minutes to brush properly when you have braces.
Don’t Skip Flossing
Flossing is just as critical as brushing, but braces can make it a little more complicated. Food particles can easily get trapped between teeth and around brackets, and if they’re not removed, they can cause plaque buildup.
Using a traditional floss with braces requires a little patience, but it’s well worth it. Look for soft, gentle flosses like the RADIUS Vegan Sponge Floss™, which is designed to be kind to gums while expanding to clean better between teeth.
The Vegan Sponge Floss™ features:
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100% vegan candelilla wax coating for easy gliding.
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Soft, sponge-like texture that expands for a deeper clean.
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Natural, biodegradable ingredients, staying true to our sustainable mission.
Threading floss around each wire takes practice, but it ensures that no area is left neglected. With consistency, it quickly becomes part of your daily routine.
Keeping Braces Clean on the Go
Since it’s best to brush after every meal or snack, it helps to be prepared when you’re not at home. Here are some tips:
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Carry a travel toothbrush, like a RADIUS® Tour™ Travel Toothbrush, which folds into its own handle for cleanliness and convenience.
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Pack your Vegan Sponge Floss™ for easy flossing anywhere.
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Bring a bottle of water to rinse your mouth when brushing isn’t possible immediately.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your smile healthy no matter where you are.
Protecting Sensitive Teeth
Braces can sometimes cause mild tooth sensitivity, especially after adjustments. Using a gentle, effective toothpaste can help ease discomfort while protecting enamel.
At RADIUS, we offer toothpaste options like our RADIUS Organic Coconut Banana Toothpaste for Kids and RADIUS Immunity Toothpaste for adults, made with USDA Organic ingredients like coconut oil, chamomile flower, and erythritol. These natural ingredients help soothe, protect, and strengthen teeth without harsh chemicals.
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Coconut oil helps support a healthy oral microbiome.
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Chamomile flower extract helps calm sensitive gums.
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Erythritol fights cavity-causing bacteria naturally.
By sticking to toothpaste made with clean, organic ingredients, you can support your overall oral health gently, which is especially important during orthodontic treatment.
Brushing with Braces: A Final Word
At RADIUS, we believe that great oral care with braces is all about using the right tools, the right techniques, and a little extra attention. With soft, sustainable toothbrushes, natural toothpaste, and gentle floss, you can protect your teeth, gums, and braces every step of the way.
Braces are a temporary part of your journey — but the healthy habits you build now will last a lifetime. We’re proud to offer products that help you care for your smile naturally, comfortably, and responsibly. Here’s to a healthy, happy, beautifully aligned smile at every stage!