Brushing with Braces: Your Complete Oral Care Guide

Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Brush at least twice a day to reduce plaque buildup and remove trapped food. Clean teeth and gums help your braces do their job better and faster!

Tip: Good oral hygiene = less discomfort, faster results.

Foods to Stay Away From

Avoid items that can damage braces or get stuck:

Hard Foods: Ice, popcorn, nuts, crusty bread.

Sticky Foods: Caramel, gummy candies, chewing gum.

Sugary Foods/Drinks: Soda, juice, chocolate, sports drinks.

Too much sugar + braces = cavities and white marks!

No Chewing on Objects!?

Biting pens, fingernails, or using your teeth as tools can harm your braces. Also avoid chewing on non-food items like paper clips or pencils.

Cut Food into Bite-Sized Pieces

Crunchy fruits and veggies (like apples, carrots), or tough foods (like baguettes) should be chopped into small pieces to ease pressure on braces.

Dental Visits Matter

Make sure to visit your orthodontist and dentist regularly. They’ll ensure your braces are working well and keep your teeth healthy.

What to Expect After Getting Braces

Your mouth may feel sore or sensitive for a few days — totally normal. You might receive a soft diet guide or pain relief tips.

Soon enough, you won’t even notice they’re there!

Take Time for Your Teeth

Braces take effort, and brushing is part of the journey. Imagine that amazing, straight smile at the end — totally worth every second!

Is Your Brush Doing Its Job?

Worn bristles? It’s time for a new brush. Use a soft-bristled brush that fits around braces and reaches every surface.

Get the Motion Right

Move your brush in small, circular motions. Focus on getting bristles around the brackets and gumline.

Spend around 10 seconds on each tooth area — don’t rush!

Clean These Key Areas:

a. Along the Gumline:
Where your teeth meet the gums. This helps prevent swollen or bleeding gums.

b. Below the Brackets:
Tilt your brush upward to reach below the wires and brackets.

c. Above the Brackets:
Now tilt downward to brush the top area around the brackets.

d. On Top of the Wires:
Move gently in circles over the brackets themselves.

e. Chewing & Inner Surfaces:
Don’t forget the backs and biting surfaces of each tooth.

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Final Step: Rinse & Check

Rinse thoroughly and take a quick look in the mirror to make sure nothing’s missed.

Report any broken brackets or loose wires to your ortho team right away!

Ready for a check-up or need help with your braces care? Scheduling an appointment is quick and easy. Our friendly team is here to support your smile journey. Book your visit today and stay on track with your oral health goals. Click below or call us to get started!

Home whitening gel usually needs to be applied daily for two to three weeks. Over-the-counter kits also are widely available for home use. They provide trays to hold the gel, or whitening strips that stick to your teeth.

Talk to your dentist if you want to use these home products. Be sure to follow directions to avoid overuse and possible damage to your teeth and mouth.