Caring for your Teeth while wearing Braces

Braces do amazing work straightening your teeth, but they also require extra care to keep your mouth healthy during treatment. Food particles and dental plaque biofilm can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities, staining, and gum problems. These problems are especially common around the composite glue that hold the brackets against the teeth. Dental decay can occur around this composite glue both during and after treatment with braces.

With the right routine, you can keep your smile in top shape while your braces work their magic.

Brush after Every Meal

Use a soft-bristled, nylon toothbrush and a smear of high dose fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush toward the brackets and the composite glue and gently clean above, below, and between them. A small interdental brush can help reach spots your regular toothbrush can’t.

Floss Daily

Flossing with braces takes patience, but it’s worth it. Threader floss or orthodontic floss picks make the job much easier, helping remove debris between teeth and under the wires.

Rinse for Extra Protection

An antibacterial or fluoride mouth rinse helps reduce dental plaque biofilm and strengthens enamel. Swishing after meals can also loosen trapped food.

Choose Braces-Friendly Foods

Sticky, chewy, and hard foods can damage braces and make cleaning harder so instead opt for softer, bite-sized pieces of fruits and veggies, and cut tougher foods into smaller portions.

Keep up with Dental Visits

In addition to orthodontic appointments, regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist are essential. Your dentist will monitor for early signs of decay or gum issues and keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.

With consistent care, you’ll not only end up with straighter teeth but also a healthy, beautiful smile ready to shine the day your braces come off.