Braces are a long process, requiring patience and meticulous care. While wearing braces, proper oral hygiene is mandatory to avoid tooth decay, gingivitis, and enamel erosion. However, regular toothpaste is not designed for the environment with numerous brackets, archwires, and hard-to-reach areas found in people wearing braces. Therefore, using specialized toothpaste for braces wearers is a crucial factor affecting orthodontic treatment outcomes and overall oral health.
Why do people with braces need to use specialized toothpaste?
When wearing braces, brackets and archwires create many narrow gaps where food can easily get trapped. If not thoroughly cleaned, plaque will accumulate around the brackets, forming tartar, leading to tooth decay and gingivitis. Enamel around the bracket area can also be easily eroded if using toothpaste with strong abrasives, or products with high fluoride concentrations that cause irritation. Toothpastes with strong foaming agents or rapid whitening toothpastes can cause tooth sensitivity, swollen gums, and prolong the orthodontic treatment time.
Toothpaste specifically designed for people with braces is developed based on the structure of teeth with brackets. These products typically do not contain SLS foaming agents, do not cause enamel abrasion, are gentle on gums, strengthen tooth minerals, and can deep clean around the brackets. As a result, you will reduce the risk of sensitivity, enamel erosion, gingivitis, and tooth decay during orthodontic treatment.
Typical examples include Phoca, Curaprox Ortho, and Sensodyne Braces Care toothpastes – products recommended by dentists as part of specialized oral care sets for braces wearers.
Criteria for choosing toothpaste for people with braces
Synchronizing products will help you achieve effective oral hygiene, thereby preventing tooth decay during braces treatment and maintaining healthy teeth throughout the entire period of wearing braces:
Safe and Non-Abrasive Ingredients
Prioritize toothpastes that clearly state their ability to preserve tooth enamel, containing remineralizing ingredients such as calcium, phosphate, or hydroxyapatite, which help strengthen remineralization and restore weak enamel.
Natural ingredients are also a good choice. Some types contain plaque-dissolving enzymes, nano silver essence, or gentle herbs that are not only antibacterial but also do not cause dry mouth like toothpastes containing alcohol or strong artificial flavors.
Neutral pH and No Strong Foaming Agents
An acidic oral environment is an ideal condition for bacteria that cause tooth decay and gingivitis to thrive, especially when wearing braces. Therefore, one of the important technical criteria is to choose a toothpaste with a neutral pH (around 6.5 – 7.5). This pH level helps protect tooth enamel, prevent tooth erosion, and maintain natural moisture in the oral cavity.
Some reliable brands that meet this criterion include: Ortho Kin, Curaprox Enzycal, Amflor, Vitis Orthodontic, helping you maintain a scientific oral care routine suitable for orthodontic appliances.
Suitable for Sensitive Teeth and Orthodontic Brackets
Suitable toothpaste should be able to reduce sensitivity, alleviate mild gingivitis, and be antibacterial without causing dry mouth. Additionally, it needs to be compatible with orthodontic appliances, leaving no residue on brackets, and not containing coarse particles that could scratch archwires or wire surfaces.
Some lines like Sensodyne Braces Care or Crest, specialized for orthodontics, often contain active ingredients like potassium nitrate or arginine to help reduce sensitivity quickly and safely.
Top Recommended Toothpastes for Braces
Below are the best toothpastes currently available for braces wearers, recommended by My Auris dental clinic:
Phoca Toothpaste
Phoca Toothpaste is specially designed for braces wearers. It has a gentle formula, is free of high-concentration fluoride, and does not cause irritation. Its main ingredients include enzymes that break down plaque, preventing tartar buildup around the brackets. Phoca gel has a neutral pH and contains no SLS foaming agents, making it safe for weakened enamel. This product is suitable for people with sensitive teeth, especially during the initial stages of orthodontic treatment.
Sensodyne Braces Care Toothpaste
Sensodyne Braces Care is a specialized toothpaste for braces wearers and sensitive teeth. Its formula reduces sensitivity, helping to soothe discomfort when archwires are tightened. The toothpaste contains no abrasive particles, making it safe for brackets and archwires. Developed by a reputable dental brand, it is suitable for daily use with a braces oral hygiene kit and specialized toothbrush.
Emoform F Toothpaste
Emoform F is a dental paste from Switzerland, containing a low fluoride content, which helps strengthen tooth enamel without causing irritation. The product helps protect teeth during braces treatment and prevents bacterial growth around the brackets. Emoform F is particularly suitable for people with weak enamel or those prone to bleeding gums. Its smooth gel form is easy to rinse off and does not stick to brackets for long.
Ortho Kin Toothpaste
Ortho Kin is a product specifically designed for people undergoing orthodontic treatment. It contains a mild concentration of chlorhexidine, which provides effective antibacterial action. The toothpaste helps prevent gingivitis, controls bad breath, and offers deep cleaning. Its transparent gel form contains no abrasive agents, helping to reduce the risk of bracket detachment during brushing.
Curaprox Enzycal Toothpaste
Curaprox Enzycal is a prominent Swiss product featuring natural enzyme technology that effectively removes plaque. It is SLS-free, does not cause dry mouth, and does not affect gum tissue. This is a gentle toothpaste, suitable for individuals wearing both metal and ceramic braces. The product also helps clean the archwire area and hard-to-reach interdental spaces.
Curaprox Ortho Toothpaste
Curaprox Ortho is specifically developed for teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment. Its formula contains anti-inflammatory gum ingredients, helping to prevent bacterial formation around the brackets. The toothpaste is a smooth, non-foaming gel, easy to use with electric toothbrushes or specialized braces toothbrushes. This product belongs to the daily personal care range for individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment.
PS 123 Toothpaste
PS 123 is a popular and affordable product line that still meets the basic requirements for braces wearers. The toothpaste contains an adequate amount of fluoride, does not harm tooth enamel, and can clean plaque around the brackets. It is suitable for use in combination with mouthwash for braces and soft dental floss to enhance cleaning effectiveness.
Amflor Toothpaste
Amflor is a specialized toothpaste containing amine fluoride – a form of fluoride with fast and powerful remineralization capabilities. The product helps prevent tooth decay and protects tooth enamel throughout the braces treatment process. It does not contain strong foaming agents, thus not causing dry mouth. Amflor toothpaste also has the ability to reduce sensitivity in the affected teeth and gum areas during braces wear.
Crest Toothpaste
Crest offers several product lines, including specialized ones for people undergoing orthodontic treatment. Some lines incorporate gentle whitening technology that is still safe for tooth enamel and does not affect brackets. This is a popular choice in markets like the US, where dental product standards are very high.
Vitis Orthodontic Toothpaste
Vitis Orthodontic is a product specifically designed for braces wearers from Spain. It contains Aloe Vera and Allantoin to soothe and protect gums, while also providing good antibacterial properties. The product does not cause enamel erosion, is alcohol-free, and has a mild, pleasant taste. Using Vitis in combination with a specialized toothbrush for braces helps optimize its effectiveness.
Rembrandt Toothpaste
Rembrandt is a prominent brand known for its gentle whitening toothpaste, suitable even while undergoing orthodontic treatment. The toothpaste is peroxide-free and non-irritating, yet still effective in removing light stains around the brackets. Rembrandt is suitable for use after the stable phase of braces and when maintaining natural tooth color is desired.
Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste
Marvis Whitening Mint is a premium toothpaste from Italy. Although it focuses on whitening, its formula is very safe for braces wearers. The toothpaste is not overly abrasive and has a fresh mint flavor that helps control bad breath. It is suitable for alternating with specialized toothpastes to enhance comfort when cleaning braces.
Guide to proper toothpaste usage for braces wearers
Here’s a guide to using toothpaste correctly for braces wearers, helping protect teeth from bacteria, prevent tooth decay, and keep brackets clean:
Step 1: Choose the right specialized toothpaste
Braces wearers should use toothpaste that is SLS-free, non-abrasive, and has a neutral pH. Products like Phoca, Curaprox Ortho, Sensodyne Braces Care, or Vitis Orthodontic are recommended by dentists for their high safety. Prioritize gel forms that are easy to clean, gentle on gums, can strengthen tooth enamel minerals, and are compatible with orthodontic appliances.
Step 2: Use a specialized toothbrush for braces wearers
Use a specialized toothbrush for braces wearers, which has a small head, soft bristles, and can reach all areas around the brackets. Electric toothbrushes with an orthodontic mode are also a good option. Avoid hard-bristled or large-headed toothbrushes as they can cause brackets to detach.
Step 3: Brush teeth according to regional instructions
Divide the mouth into 4 regions and brush vertically – horizontally – in circular motions. Focus on the contact area between the teeth and brackets. Position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle, gently cleaning the gum line to prevent gingivitis when wearing braces.
Step 4: Combine with dental floss and interdental brushes
Soft dental floss or interdental cleaning tools will help deep clean between teeth and archwires. You can combine it with orthodontic wax to prevent abrasions to the inner lips and cheeks while brushing.
Step 5: Rinse with specialized mouthwash
After brushing, use an alcohol-free mouthwash for braces to gently kill bacteria. Choose products containing nano silver, plaque-dissolving enzymes, or natural herbs.
Step 6: Repeat hygiene at least 2–3 times/day
The most important times to brush are after meals and before bed. Maintaining a regular schedule will limit tartar buildup around the brackets, keeping teeth strong and preventing discoloration after braces are removed.
Important considerations when choosing toothpaste for braces wearers
Before deciding to buy toothpaste while wearing braces, you need to understand the oral health needs during this period. Braces-wearing teeth are not like normal teeth. They are more sensitive, harder to clean, and more prone to tooth decay and gingivitis if not properly cared for.
- Read the ingredients label carefully
Always check the ingredient list. Avoid toothpastes containing strong abrasives like coarse silica. These ingredients can scratch tooth enamel and damage the area near the brackets. Orthodontic patients should prioritize products that are free of SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate foaming agent), high-concentration fluoride, or artificial flavors that can easily cause irritation.
Instead, choose varieties containing plaque-dissolving enzymes, minerals that help remineralize tooth enamel such as calcium, hydroxyapatite, or nano silver technology that effectively kills bacteria without causing dry mouth. These options meet the standards of specialized dental products and are often recommended by dentists.
- Prioritize products from reputable brands
Braces wearers should choose toothpaste from clinically tested brands such as Curaprox, Sensodyne Braces Care, Phoca, Ortho Kin, or Vitis Orthodontic. These brands often have specific product lines for braces wearers, designed to suit weakened enamel, orthodontic archwires, and metal or ceramic brackets.
Choosing the wrong brand can lead to bracket detachment, tooth sensitivity, or even prolonged gingivitis. Reputable brands not only ensure quality but also frequently collaborate with dentists to improve their products.
- Consider price and user feedback
Price is not the only factor, but avoid choosing overly cheap products from unclear sources. A reasonable price for a specialized braces toothpaste typically ranges from 80,000 – 250,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong).
You should consult feedback from users with similar conditions. Authentic reviews can help you avoid products that cause sensitivity, have an unpleasant taste, or are less effective at cleaning. Some specialized orthodontic forums or reputable websites can be good sources of information.
- Only buy from reputable sources
Buy from pharmacies, dental clinics, or official e-commerce platforms. Avoid purchasing from informal sources, products without labels, or unclear manufacturing dates. This is because using non-standard toothpaste can lead to issues such as tartar buildup around brackets, gum damage, and even affect the entire outcome of your orthodontic treatment.
Reliable sellers typically offer in-depth consultation, clear return policies, and publicly disclosed product certifications. This ensures peace of mind when choosing any oral care product.
- Consult your dentist if necessary
If you are new to braces or experiencing issues such as tooth sensitivity or gingivitis around the brackets, consult your orthodontist.
They will guide you in choosing the appropriate toothpaste, and even suggest combining it with personal dental tools such as specialized braces toothbrushes, orthodontic wax, specialized mouthwash, or soft dental floss.
Immediately apply the 5 tips above to better protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic journey. If needed, consult your dentist for the most accurate advice tailored to your individual condition.
