Braces add a lot of nooks and crannies to your mouth, and food loves to hide in every one of them. So it's natural to wonder whether you need a special toothpaste. I'm Jess, an Oral Health Therapist, and here's the honest answer: you can use a nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste with braces, but the toothpaste matters far less than how and when you brush. Below is the simple routine I walk people through, for both fixed braces and clear aligners.
Can you use hydroxyapatite toothpaste with braces?
Yes. You brush with a nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste just as you would with any other toothpaste, brackets and all. There's no such thing as a toothpaste you have to use for braces. What makes the difference is cleaning around every bracket, every day.
That said, a few things make a toothpaste easier to live with while you have braces:
- A mild flavour. You'll be brushing more often, and strong mint can get tiring, especially for teens.
- A gentle, non-harsh texture. Flossy & Pure uses hydrated silica, which gently polishes without harsh abrasion, alongside 3% nano-hydroxyapatite for a smooth, clean feel.
- Low foam. SLS-free pastes don't fill your mouth with bubbles, so it's easier to see what you're doing around the brackets. (More on that in SLS-Free Toothpaste: Why the Foam Does Nothing.)
How to brush with fixed braces: step by step
1. Rinse first
A quick swish with water loosens food caught around the brackets before you start.
2. Use a pea-sized amount on a soft brush
A soft-bristled manual brush or a powered toothbrush both work well. More toothpaste doesn't mean a better clean; it just means more to spit out.
3. Brush above and below the brackets
Angle the bristles down towards the top of each bracket and make small, gentle circles. Then angle up from underneath and do the same. Finish with the chewing surfaces and the inside surfaces of every tooth.
4. Take your time
Aim for at least two minutes, and expect it to take a little longer with braces. Working one section of the mouth at a time helps you avoid missing spots.
5. Clean between the wires
Small interdental brushes slide under the wire and between brackets. For flossing, a floss threader or "super floss" with a stiff end makes it much easier. A water flosser is a handy extra for some people, but it doesn't replace brushing.
6. Spit, don't rinse
Spit out the excess when you're done. Skipping the final rinse leaves your mouth feeling fresh for longer.
7. Check in the mirror
Brackets should look clean and shiny, with no food sitting around the edges. If you can still see bits, give that spot another go.
When to brush with braces
Brushing twice a day is the minimum, morning and before bed. With braces, many orthodontic teams also suggest brushing after meals and snacks where you can, because food so easily gets trapped. If you can't brush at school or work, rinsing well with water is a good stopgap until you're home. A travel toothbrush and a tube in your bag make it much easier to stick to.
What about clear aligners?
With aligners, the routine shifts a little:
- Take your aligners out to eat and drink anything other than plain water.
- Brush and clean between your teeth before you put them back in, so food isn't trapped against your teeth.
- Clean the aligners themselves the way your orthodontist or aligner brand recommends. Many advise against scrubbing trays with toothpaste, as it can scratch and cloud them.
Food tips while you have braces
Your orthodontist will give you a list, but the usual advice is to go easy on very hard foods (like ice and hard lollies), sticky foods (like toffee and chewy lollies) and anything you'd bite into hard, such as whole apples or corn on the cob. Cut them into small pieces instead. Sipping water through the day also helps keep your mouth feeling fresh.
Making it easier for the whole family
Braces often arrive in the busy teenage years, and often for more than one sibling. Keeping one gentle toothpaste in each bathroom (and one in the school bag) takes the friction out of extra brushing. Our Mild Mint toothpaste is made for every age in the house, and the Family 3-Pack covers a few bathrooms at once. You can choose Subscribe & Save on either for 15% off regular deliveries. Skip or cancel anytime.
Flossy & Pure will soon be available through partner dental clinics; see our stockists page. If you work at an orthodontic or dental practice and would like to recommend it to patients, see For Dental Clinics.
When to see your orthodontist or dental professional
Keep up your regular orthodontic appointments and dental check-ups while you have braces. Contact your orthodontist if a bracket comes loose, a wire is poking, or anything feels uncomfortable, and ask your dental professional for personalised advice on cleaning around your appliance. This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice about your own treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is hydroxyapatite toothpaste good for braces?
You can use it with braces just like any toothpaste. The biggest difference comes from brushing above and below every bracket and cleaning between the wires each day.
What toothpaste should I use with braces?
Any toothpaste you're happy to use consistently, and your orthodontist can recommend one for your situation. Many people prefer a mild flavour and a gentle, low-foam paste because they're brushing more often.
How often should you brush with braces?
At least twice a day, and ideally after meals and snacks too, as food gets trapped easily around brackets.
Can I use toothpaste to clean my clear aligners?
Follow your orthodontist's or aligner brand's instructions. Many advise against toothpaste on the trays because it can scratch them.
Do I need an electric toothbrush with braces?
No. A soft manual brush works well with good technique. Some people find a powered toothbrush with a timer makes it easier to brush thoroughly.
A gentle toothpaste for extra brushing
Flossy & Pure is a mild mint, SLS-free nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste created by an Oral Health Therapist. Try a single tube or the Family 3-Pack.
Change your mind? Return it unopened within 30 days for a refund. Full terms.
Flossy & Pure toothpaste is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is general information only; please see your orthodontist or dental professional for advice about your treatment.