Braces are a reliable ally in achieving a perfect smile, but they come with an added responsibility: thorough dental care. Food particles can easily get trapped around the brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities, gum problems, and other dental issues[1]. We’ve prepared some essential tips to help you keep your teeth healthy and bright throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Brush your teeth properly and frequently
One of the most important things you can do to care for your teeth while wearing braces is to make sure you brush them correctly and regularly. At first, brushing with braces may seem difficult, but over time you’ll get used to the proper technique.[1][2]
We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and spending at least three minutes on this activity. Start with the areas of your teeth that don’t have braces, then give special attention to the bracketed areas. To brush properly with braces, begin at the gum line, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums. Then clean the top of the brackets by angling the brush downward, and the bottom by angling it upward. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath.[1][2]
How often should you brush your teeth if you wear braces?
If you wear braces, ideally you should brush your teeth after every meal or snack—not just in the morning and at night. If that’s not possible, rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash that can help remove food particles.[1][2]
Use interdental brushes
Interdental brushes are essential for oral hygiene in people wearing braces. They are specially designed to reach and effectively clean the narrow spaces between teeth and the brackets of the braces—areas a regular toothbrush can’t access. Choose interdental brushes of the appropriate size, as recommended by your orthodontist, use gentle movements, and avoid forcing the brush to prevent injuring your gums or damaging the braces.[1][2]
Use dental floss carefully
Flossing can seem more difficult when wearing braces, but with patience and care, you’ll quickly learn the correct technique. There is floss specially designed for people with braces, featuring a stiffer thread and an applicator that makes it easier to insert under the wires.[1][2]
How to floss properly with braces?
Cut a long piece of floss, wrap the ends around your index fingers, and insert the floss under the wire of the braces, between the teeth. Gently move the floss up and down, forming a “C” shape around each tooth to remove food particles and plaque. Repeat the process between all teeth, using a clean section of floss each time.[1][2]
It is recommended to seek guidance from your orthodontist when first using dental floss. They can teach you the correct technique and provide useful tips, reducing the risk of injuring your gums or damaging your braces.
Use mouthwash to fight plaque
To maintain optimal oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, rinsing with mouthwash is an essential step. Use a fluoride mouthwash recommended by your orthodontist to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing to ensure a thorough clean.[1][2]
Pay attention to your diet
During orthodontic treatment with braces, it’s important to pay special attention to your diet to avoid damaging the appliance and to maintain proper oral hygiene. While no foods are completely forbidden, your orthodontist will likely recommend avoiding certain categories of foods that can cause problems.[1][2]
In general, you should steer clear of chewy, sticky, crunchy, or hard foods such as candies, caramels, chips, nuts, or pretzels. Foods that require strong biting, like whole apples or raw carrots, should be eaten with caution, cut into small pieces.[1][2]
Another important aspect is reducing the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as these can lead to stains and cavities around the brackets. These stains can become permanent and will be visible once the braces are removed, affecting the final appearance of your smile.[1][2]
In addition to food, it’s essential to give up harmful habits like nail biting or chewing on pen caps, as these can also damage your braces.[1][2]
Go for regular check-ups at the orthodontist
No matter how well you brush your teeth or how careful you are with your diet, regular visits to the orthodontist are essential during orthodontic treatment. These appointments ensure continuous monitoring of your progress and allow for necessary adjustments to prevent or address any issues that may arise.[1][2]
Additionally, they give you the opportunity to benefit from periodic professional dental cleanings, which are crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and the health of your teeth and gums, whether or not you wear braces. You’ll also receive personalized advice on how to care for your braces and recommendations for the most suitable oral hygiene products for your specific needs.[1][2]
How often should you go for check-ups if you wear braces?
The recommended frequency of these check-ups and cleanings is higher than usual for people wearing braces. If, before starting treatment, you were advised to visit the dentist twice a year, after getting braces you’ll need to see your orthodontist approximately every 4 to 6 weeks.[1][2]
Be patient and consistent
Caring for your teeth with braces may seem like a difficult and complicated task. However, it’s essential to be patient and strictly follow your orthodontist’s recommendations regarding oral hygiene and diet. It’s not enough to follow the advice occasionally. You need to brush your teeth properly and frequently, use interdental brushes, floss carefully, and use mouthwash to fight plaque. It’s also important to pay attention to your diet and attend regular orthodontic check-ups.[1][2]
Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces requires more attention and effort, but the results are definitely worth it. Follow these tips to protect your oral health and ensure a successful orthodontic treatment.
Sources:
- Guo, Jun, et al. „Oral Health Knowledge and Practice among Orthodontic Clients in China and New Zealand”, Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene, vol. 54, no. 3, Oct. 2020, p. 124, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7668273/. Accessed at Mar. 17th, 2025.
- „Caring for Braces: Top Tips on Caring and Wearing Braces”, Orthodontics Australia, 22 May 2020, orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/caring-for-braces/. Accessed at Mar. 17th, 2025.
- „Taking Care of Your Teeth with Braces”, News-Medical, 27 Nov. 2018, www.news-medical.net/health/Taking-Care-of-Your-Teeth-with-Braces.aspx. Accessed at Mar. 17th, 2025.
