Oral Hygiene with Braces
Keep your smile healthy and beautiful during orthodontic treatment
Why Oral Hygiene is Extra Important with Braces
Braces create additional spaces where food particles and plaque can hide. Without proper cleaning, this can lead to:
White spots or permanent staining on teeth
Cavities around brackets
Swollen or bleeding gums (gingivitis)
Bad breath
Longer treatment time
Decalcification that shows after braces are removed
The good news? These problems are completely preventable with proper oral hygiene!
How to Brush with Braces
Making orthodontic treatment a positive experience
🪥
Fun & Colorful
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Replace every 3 months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
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Fun & Colorful
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Replace every 3 months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
🔄
Fun & Colorful
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Replace every 3 months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
🦷
Fun & Colorful
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Replace every 3 months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
⏱️
Fun & Colorful
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Replace every 3 months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
👅
Fun & Colorful
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush. Replace every 3 months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
Flossing with Braces
Yes, you still need to floss! Here’s how to make it easier.
Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to get under the wires
Thread floss between each tooth and gently move it up and down
Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape
Don't snap the floss against your gums
Floss at least once per day, preferably before bed
Consider using a Waterpik water flosser for easier cleaning
Daily Oral Care Schedule
Make oral hygiene a consistent habit
Morning
Brush teeth for 2 minutes after breakfast
Rinse with water
Check braces in mirror for any food particles
After Meals
Rinse mouth with water
Brush if possible, or at least rinse thoroughly
Use interdental brush to clean around brackets
Bedtime
Brush teeth for 2 minutes
Floss between all teeth using threader or Waterpik
Use fluoride rinse if recommended
Clean retainer if applicable
Recommended Products
Stock up on these essentials for optimal oral care
Toothbrushes
Soft-bristled manual toothbrush
Electric toothbrush (Oral-B or Sonicare)
Proxabrush (interdental brush)
Flossing
Floss threaders
Orthodontic floss picks
Waterpik or water flosser
Super Floss
Oral Care
Fluoride toothpaste
Antibacterial mouthwash (alcohol-free)
Orthodontic wax
Fluoride rinse
Questions About Oral Care?
We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile throughout your treatment.