Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment is essential for preventing gum disease, decay, and white spots on your teeth. With braces, it’s more challenging to keep your smile clean, as food particles can get trapped around the brackets and wires. To protect your teeth and gums, thorough brushing and flossing are a must.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with firm but gentle pressure, holding it at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Brush carefully in small circular motions above and below the brackets. Because orthodontic appliances can wear down toothbrush bristles quickly, replace your brush whenever it starts to fray.
Flossing should be done daily using floss threaders or special orthodontic floss. A Waterpik or other interdental cleaning tool can also help remove debris but cannot completely eliminate sticky plaque. If plaque remains on your teeth, it can cause permanent marks or contribute to gum disease. Regular dental cleaning appointments are also highly recommended to support your at-home care routine.
For patients with additional needs, such as cracked teeth, broken tooth repair, crowns, or veneers, proper home care helps maintain the results of these cosmetic dentistry treatments and prevents dental emergencies.
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, your diet plays a crucial role in protecting your braces. Avoid hard foods such as nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples, and raw carrots. Cut firm foods into small pieces before eating to prevent damaging your brackets and wires. Stay away from sticky foods like caramel, taffy, gum, or chewy candy, as these can loosen your appliances and lead to dental emergencies.
Also, avoid habits like nail biting and chewing on pens or pencils. These can cause a broken bracket or even a cracked tooth. Remember: small precautions help prevent setbacks in your braces journey or Invisalign treatment.
Gum
Caramels
Sugar Daddies
Starbursts
Caramel Apples
Sugar Babies
Licorice
Toffee
Tootsie Rolls
Now & Laters
Candy
Ice Cream
Cake & Cookies
Pie
Foods with Added Sugar
Nuts
Popcorn
Bagels
Apples (unless cut)
Corn on the Cob (cut off)
Pizza Crusts
Raw Carrots
Doritos
Pretzels
To ensure your orthodontic care stays on schedule, minimize sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks. Excess sugar increases your risk for gum disease and tooth decay. For the healthiest smile possible, combine careful at-home care with regular dentist cleanings, professional teeth cleaning, and checkups.
If you experience discomfort, a broken bracket, or a dental emergency, contact your orthodontist right away. Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign, maintaining consistent hygiene and diet habits ensures the best results for your smile — and helps protect any existing crowns, veneers, or dental implants.
