Your Guide on How to Use an Interdental Brush with Braces

Girl wearing orthodontic braces

Essential brace care is key for maintaining your teeth straightening treatment. As part of your care, you may need to use an interdental brush with braces. While using these, it is important to know the basics, such as how to use an interdental brush, interdental brush size for braces and how many times to use interdental brushes.

Explore our guide on how to use an interdental brush with braces and ask your orthodontist if you have any further questions.

How to Use an Interdental Brush

Interdental brushes are designed with small bristled heads to clean between small places. They clean away remains of food and plaque for a healthy smile and to help reduce the risk of gum disease.

You should be using your interdental brushes once every day before brushing your teeth and make sure you are using the right size of interdental brush. If you’re looking to learn how to use an interdental brush, begin by slowly and gently inserting the interdental brush between your teeth. Continue to repeat this around all of your mouth, remembering not to miss any gaps.

When using with braces, move the interdental brush up and down either side of your brace’s brackets. Next, move the brush along the wire and continue an up and down motion.

Interdental Brush Size for Braces

Interdental brushes are designed in different widths for different sized gaps and are available to purchase in pharmacies and supermarkets. It is important to know which interdental brush size you need for your braces.

When trying out an interdental brush size for braces, do not force the brush into a gap. If it feels too tight to fit, try a smaller sized interdental brush. By using an interdental brush size for braces which is too small, it will be tricky for the bristles to clean effectively, while a size too big can potentially damage your teeth and gums.

First, test a medium sized interdental brush for cleaning around orthodontic wires and around brackets. Decide from there if this size is fine or if you need to try a smaller or bigger size. If you have never used an interdental brush before or are really unsure, ask your orthodontist for guidance during your appointment.

How Many Times to Use Interdental Brushes

Knowing how many times to use interdental brushes just requires you to keep an eye on its condition. Some interdental brushes are fine to reuse, just remember to rinse them clean and throw them away as soon as the brush bristles begin to show signs of wear.

If you are wondering how many times to use interdental brushes throughout the day, the answer is just once. Remember to use your interdental brush before you move onto brushing your teeth.

Advice on Brace Care

If you are looking for further advice on brace care, including how to use an interdental brush with braces, please speak with your orthodontist who can guide you on sizes and tips for effective brace cleaning.