How to Clean and Care for Your Braces: Essential Maintenance Tips for Optimal Oral Health

Wearing braces can transform your smile, but they do require special care to keep them clean and in good condition. 

Many people struggle with food getting stuck in their brackets or worry about staining their teeth during treatment.

Proper cleaning and care of your braces prevent cavities, gum disease, and unsightly stains that could affect your smile when the braces come off. 

Taking just a few extra minutes each day to follow the right cleaning routine will help ensure your orthodontic treatment is successful.

You might feel overwhelmed by the extra steps needed for oral hygiene with braces, but it gets easier with practice. 

This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your braces clean and maintaining good oral health throughout your treatment.

Daily Cleaning and Care for Braces

Taking care of your braces requires consistent daily habits and the right tools. 

Proper cleaning prevents cavities, gum disease, and staining while ensuring your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly.

Proper Brushing Techniques

Brushing with braces demands extra attention and time. 

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brushing after every meal if possible, or at least thrice daily.
  
• Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums, then adjust to clean above and below the brackets.
  
• Brush each tooth individually for about 10 seconds, using gentle circular motions.
  
• Don't forget to clean the chewing surfaces and the inside of your teeth. A five-minute brushing session is the minimum recommended time.
  
• Special orthodontic brushes with V-shaped bristles can help clean around brackets more effectively.
  
• Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Effective Flossing Methods

Flossing with braces can be challenging, but it is essential. 

• Use waxed floss as unwaxed varieties tend to catch and shred on braces hardware.
  
• Floss threaders are handy tools that help guide dental floss under the main wire. Thread about 45 cm of floss through the threader, then carefully pass it under the archwire.
  
• Gently move the floss up and down between teeth, creating a C-shape around each tooth. Be careful not to snap the floss down as this can damage your gums.
  
• Pre-threaded flossers or orthodontic-specific floss products can save time.
  
• Aim to floss once daily, preferably before bedtime, to remove food particles your brush can't reach.

Using Interdental Brushes and Water Flossers

• Interdental brushes: Small, cone-shaped brushes that clean between teeth and around brackets. They can reach places regular brushes miss and are excellent for removing food debris. Choose the appropriate size that fits comfortably between your teeth. Insert the brush gently between teeth or around brackets, using a back-and-forth motion.
  
• Water flossers: Provide another excellent option for braces care. They use pressurized water to clean between teeth and around orthodontic hardware. Start with a lower pressure setting if you're new to water flossers.  Hold the tip about 90 degrees to your gumline and trace along your teeth, pausing briefly between each tooth. 

These devices can reduce gum inflammation by up to 50% compared to traditional flossing alone.

Choosing the Right Oral Care Products

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces takes extra effort but pays off with a healthier mouth and better treatment results.

Making the following cleaning practices part of your daily routine can ensure your smile is both straight and healthy when your braces come off. 

• Select toothpastes containing fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent white spot lesions.
  
• Avoid whitening toothpastes as they may cause uneven colouring when brackets are removed.
  
• Look for the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) seal of approval on oral care products. This ensures the product meets established safety and effectiveness standards.
  
• An antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can provide additional protection. Swish for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing to reach areas you might have missed.
  
• Orthodontic wax is essential for covering sharp brackets or wires that cause irritation. Carry wax with you for emergency comfort when away from home.
  
• Travel-sized oral care products are worth keeping in your backpack or purse for cleaning after meals when you're not at home.

Talk to our orthodontic team about personalized recommendations for your specific needs at your next appointment.

Maintaining Oral Health Throughout Orthodontic Treatment

Protecting Your Braces and Oral Tissues

Brackets and wires can irritate your cheeks, lips, and gums, so avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage your braces:

If you play sports, wear a store-bought mouthguard designed for braces. Regular mouthguards won't fit properly and could damage your orthodontic work.

Never use toothpicks or other sharp objects to remove food from braces.

Managing Discomfort and Adjusting to Braces

Some discomfort is normal, especially after adjustments. 

Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage soreness.

Eat soft foods for a few days after adjustments:

• Smoothies and yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta and soft vegetables
• Scrambled eggs
• Soups and stews

Practice proper speaking and swallowing techniques to adjust to your braces faster. Reading aloud can help you adapt to speaking with your new appliances.

Visiting Your Orthodontist Regularly

Attend all scheduled orthodontic appointments, typically every 8-10 weeks, and continue seeing your regular dental hygienist every three months for professional cleanings and checkups. 

These visits allow Dr. Aggarwal to make necessary adjustments and monitor your progress.

Your dentist can spot potential issues early and provide specialized cleaning around your braces.

Ask your dental team questions about the cleanings you have. They can provide personalized advice and demonstrate proper cleaning techniques.

Follow all instructions from your orthodontic team regarding elastics, retainers, or other removable parts. Using these as directed ensures your treatment stays on schedule.

Your commitment to maintaining good oral health during orthodontic treatment will help ensure a beautiful, healthy smile when your braces come off. 

Remember that the extra effort you put into caring for your braces now will lead to better results and fewer complications throughout your orthodontic journey. 

Start Strong with Braces at Bronte Family Orthodontics

Whether you’re a teen just starting your journey or an adult finally ready to invest in your smile, we will walk alongside you every step of the way.

Book your consultation today at Bronte Family Orthodontics, and take the first step toward the confident, subtle transformation you’ve been waiting for.

‍