Keeping your teeth healthy during braces treatment isn’t difficult – but it does require some new habits and the right techniques.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment (
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) is crucial for achieving the best results and avoiding complications. With the right approach, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment journey.
Why oral hygiene matters more with braces
Brackets, wires, and aligners create new hiding places for food particles and bacteria. Without proper cleaning, plaque buildup can lead to white spots on teeth, cavities, or gum inflammation that could delay your treatment.
The good news is that with proper technique and consistency, you can maintain excellent oral health and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
Daily cleaning routine for traditional braces
Start by rinsing with water to loosen food particles around brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brushing at a 45-degree angle to clean above and below each bracket.
Take your time – thorough brushing with braces takes longer than usual. Spend at least two minutes ensuring you clean every surface of every tooth.
An interdental brush or proxy brush helps clean around wires and between brackets where regular toothbrushes struggle to reach. These small, cone-shaped brushes are invaluable for thorough cleaning.
Water flossers can supplement traditional flossing, making it easier to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas. However, they shouldn’t completely replace regular flossing.
Flossing with braces requires patience
Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss with stiff ends to thread floss under the main wire. Work the floss gently between each pair of teeth, being careful not to snap it against your gums.
Consider switching to a water flosser if traditional flossing becomes too time-consuming or difficult. While not identical to regular flossing, it’s better than skipping this step entirely.
Caring for Invisalign aligners
Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. Clean them regularly with the recommended cleaning system or by gently brushing with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
Rinse aligners with lukewarm water – hot water can warp the plastic and affect the fit. Never use toothpaste on aligners, as it can be abrasive and create cloudy areas.
Always brush and floss your teeth before putting aligners back in. Trapping food particles or bacteria against your teeth for hours can lead to problems.
Foods to avoid or approach carefully
Hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and ice can break brackets or bend wires. Sticky foods like caramel and taffy can pull brackets off teeth or become impossible to clean from braces.
Cut harder foods like apples into smaller pieces rather than biting directly into them. This protects your appliances while still allowing you to enjoy your favourite foods.
Signs to watch for
Contact your orthodontist if you notice persistent bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, white spots on teeth, or loose brackets. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming major problems.
Regular dental cleanings every six months remain important during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist and orthodontist work together to ensure optimal oral health.
Making it routine
Carry a travel toothbrush and floss for cleaning after meals when away from home. Many patients find that maintaining good habits becomes automatic within a few weeks.
The reward for diligence
Patients who maintain excellent oral hygiene during treatment not only achieve better orthodontic results but also enjoy healthier teeth and gums for life. Your diligence during treatment pays dividends long after your braces come off.
