Oral Hygiene with Braces
Keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces requires a little more care and attention than usual. Food and plaque can easily collect around brackets and wires, so thorough brushing and cleaning between the teeth is essential to protect your enamel and gum health throughout treatment.
Brushing Your Teeth
- Brush after every meal — at minimum twice a day
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Brush at an angle above and below the brackets and wire
- Use an interdental brush to clean between brackets and under wires
- Consider an electric toothbrush for more thorough cleaning
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can damage your braces or dislodge brackets. During treatment, please avoid:
- Hard foods — nuts, hard sweets, crusty bread, raw carrots
- Sticky or chewy foods — toffee, chewing gum, gummy sweets
- Fizzy and sugary drinks — these accelerate enamel erosion around brackets
- Biting directly into hard foods — always cut apples and similar into pieces
If a Bracket or Wire Comes Loose
If a bracket or wire breaks or becomes loose, contact our practice as soon as possible to arrange a repair appointment. Avoid attempting to fix it yourself. If a wire is causing discomfort, a small piece of orthodontic wax (provided in your patient pack) can be used to cushion the area temporarily.
Regular Dental Appointments
Continue to see your regular dentist for check-ups and cleans throughout your orthodontic treatment. Your dentist and orthodontist work together to ensure the best possible outcome for your smile.