Concerned about oral hygiene with ? Let us put your mind at ease! Our orthodontist in Grand Rapids and Greenville, MI, is dedicated to ensuring each patient leaves our office happy and satisfied with their new smile. This means educating patients and their families on the best ways to maintain good oral health during metal braces treatment.
Traditional metal braces are worth the investment in your smile. That being said, you’ll have to take special care of your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment to ensure no new issues (like cavities) arise.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Dental Hygiene Matters During Treatment
When you have , food particles can easily get trapped around brackets and between wires.
If plaque isn’t removed thoroughly, it can lead to:
- Cavities
- Bad breath
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- White spots on teeth
- Staining around brackets
The goal is to keep both your teeth and your gums healthy so that when the braces come off, your smile looks as amazing as it feels.
Brush Your Teeth After You Eat
With dental braces, brushing twice a day usually isn’t enough. Ideally, you should brush after every meal and snack. If that’s not possible, rinse your mouth with water and brush as soon as you can.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, and angle the bristles:
- Above the brackets (toward the gumline)
- Directly on the brackets
- Below the brackets (toward the chewing surfaces)
Take your time. A good braces brushing routine should take about two minutes.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Professional fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. Since braces increase your risk for plaque buildup, fluoride is a must.
In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend a fluoride rinse to use at night for added protection.
Floss Once a Day
Flossing with braces is harder, but it’s absolutely worth it.
The best options include:
- Floss threaders (help you guide floss under the wire)
- Orthodontic floss (stiffer end for easier threading)
- Water flossers (excellent for removing debris around brackets)
Many patients find that combining a water flosser with traditional flossing gives the best results. Even if you can’t floss perfectly every day, doing it consistently makes a huge difference.
Consider Using Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes (also called proxy brushes) are small, bristled brushes that slide between brackets and under wires. They’re perfect for removing food that a toothbrush can’t reach, especially after meals. They’re also small enough to keep in your backpack, purse, or car.
Rinse with Water or a Fluoride Mouthwash
After brushing and flossing, rinse with water or a mouthwash. This helps wash away lingering debris and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
If your gums are irritated, a gentle rinse can also help soothe inflammation.
What Foods to Avoid with Metal Braces
Cleaning your teeth with traditional braces is easier when you avoid foods that damage brackets or get stuck easily.
Some of the biggest troublemakers include:
- Sticky candy (caramels, taffy, gummy candy)
- Hard candy and jawbreakers
- Popcorn (kernels get trapped and can break brackets)
- Chewing ice
- Nuts and hard pretzels
- Crunchy chips
- Whole apples or raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)
- Corn on the cob (cut it off the cob first)
In general, if a food is hard, sticky, or requires a lot of biting force, it’s better to avoid it during metal braces treatment.
How to Stay on Track with Braces Treatment
Braces can only do their job properly when your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout treatment. With consistent brushing, daily flossing, and smart food choices, you’ll protect your smile and help your orthodontic treatment stay on schedule.