Brushing around brackets is only part of looking after teeth in braces. The spaces between the teeth and the gum line under the wire are where plaque builds up unnoticed, and they are the areas most likely to develop swelling, bleeding or early decay during treatment. The wire makes ordinary flossing awkward, but cleaning between the teeth every day is still possible — with the right tools and a routine.
The short version: brush around every bracket, thread the floss under the wire with a floss threader or use the largest interdental brush that fits, and do it once a day. A water flosser can help as an addition, not a replacement.
Why cleaning between the teeth matters during treatment
Braces are a fixed appliance, so food and plaque sit against more surfaces than usual. Gums that become puffy or bleed can be a problem in their own right, and if you have braces fitted while the gums are unhealthy, your orthodontic plan may be paused until the gums improve. Cleaning between the teeth also protects the enamel around the brackets, which is where early decay most often starts.
Tools that work around braces
Floss threader and waxed floss
A floss threader is a small plastic loop that lets you pass floss under the archwire and between the bracket and the gum. It takes a little practice but reaches every surface floss normally would.
Orthodontic floss with stiffened ends
Some flosses have a stiffened end, like a needle, so it can be threaded directly under the wire without a separate tool. These can be quicker once you get used to them.
Interdental brushes
Small brushes that come in different sizes are often the simplest option around brackets and wires. Use the largest size that slides in comfortably without forcing. Your dentist or hygienist can help you choose.
Water flosser
A water flosser can rinse plaque and food from around brackets and bridges, and many people find it easier to keep up than manual flossing. Use it on a gentler setting to start. It works best alongside floss or interdental brushes rather than in place of them.
A simple daily routine
- Brush with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles around the brackets and along the gum line above and below each wire.
- Clean between every pair of teeth with floss or an interdental brush. Take extra time where teeth are crowded or a bracket is close to the gum.
- Rinse with water, or use a water flosser if you use one, to clear anything loosened.
- Repeat at least twice a day; the evening clean before bed matters most. Keep a mirror handy while you are learning to see the areas you are missing.
When to ask your dentist for individual advice
Ask us if you are struggling to reach a particular tooth, if a wire or bracket is rubbing and making cleaning painful, if your gums bleed regularly, or if you have a retainer or bridge that changes how you clean. There is usually a tool that fits the situation. If a bracket has come loose or a wire is poking, contact the clinic so it can be checked — first-month guide covers what to do in the early weeks.
Braces and want help with cleaning?
Our team can show you the tools and technique that suit your braces and check the health of your gums at your visits.
Related: orthodontics, ceramic braces, metal braces.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean between my teeth with braces?
What if I can't get floss under the wire?
Can I use a water flosser instead of floss?
Is bleeding when I floss a sign I should stop?
Individual cleaning technique depends on your mouth, your braces and your gum health. Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate it at your appointment.