Oral Hygiene with Braces
Keep your teeth healthy and you smile bright during orthodontic treatment
Good Hygiene = Beautiful Results
Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment isn't just about fresh breath—it's essential for achieving the best possible results. Braces create more places for food and plaque to hide, so your oral hygiene routine needs to be more thorough than before.
Prevents Cavities
Avoid white spots and decay around brackets
Prevents Cavities
Avoid white spots and decay around brackets
Prevents Cavities
Avoid white spots and decay around brackets
How Much Time Does It Take?
Brushing
2-3 minutesFlossing
5-10 minutesRinsing
30 secondsStep-by-Step Hygiene Techniques
Brushing with Braces
The foundation of good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Rinse your mouth with water to loosen any food particles around your braces
Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to your toothbrush
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums
Brush the outer surfaces of your teeth, angling down to brush the top of brackets and up to brush the bottom
Brush the chewing surfaces and inside surfaces of all teeth
Brush each tooth individually, spending about 10 seconds per tooth
Don't forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth
Rinse thoroughly and check in the mirror to make sure everything is clean
Pro Tips:
Brush after every meal and snack—aim for at least 4 times per day
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging brackets
Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months or when bristles fray
An electric toothbrush can be more effective at cleaning around brackets
Set a timer for 2 minutes to ensure thorough brushing
Flossing with Braces
Essential for removing plaque between teeth where brushes can't reach
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long
Thread the floss under the main wire before going between your teeth (use a floss threader to make this easier)
Gently slide the floss between two teeth, being careful not to snap it against your gums
Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it up and downm
Make sure to go slightly below the gum line
Remove the floss and repeat for all teeth, using a clean section of floss each time
This process should take 5-10 minutes when done properly
Pro Tips:
Floss at least once per day, preferably before bed
Consider using a floss threader or orthodontic floss with a stiff end
Water flossers (like Waterpik) are excellent alternatives and much faster
If your gums bleed at first, don't stop—this usually improves with regular flossing
Pre-threaded floss picks designed for braces can save time
Using a Water Flosser
A game-changer for orthodontic patients—fast and highly effective
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water
Choose the orthodontic tip if your water flosser came with multiple tips
Lean over the sink and place the tip in your mouth before turning it on
Start at the back teeth and work your way around both arches
Aim the water stream at a 90-degree angle to your gums and brackets
Pause briefly between each tooth, focusing on the gum line and around brackets
Use medium pressure—not too strong, not too weak
Continue for 1-2 minutes until you've covered all teeth
Pro Tips:
Water flossers are clinically proven to remove more plaque than string floss
They're especially helpful for getting under wires and around brackets
Use once or twice daily for best results
You can add mouthwash to the water for extra freshness
Popular brands: Waterpik, Philips Sonicare AirFloss, Panasonic
Interdental Brushes (Proxy Brushes)
Perfect for cleaning around brackets and under wires
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Choose a brush size that fits comfortably between your teeth and brackets
Gently insert the brush between teeth or around brackets
Move the brush back and forth several times
Use a fresh, clean section of the brush for each space
Focus on areas where food tends to get stuck
Rinse the brush and allow it to dry between uses
Replace brushes when bristles become worn or bent
Pro Tips:
These are great for on-the-go cleaning after meals
Keep a few in your backpack, purse, or car
They come in different sizes—ask us which is best for you
Perfect for removing food stuck under wires
Much easier to use than traditional floss for quick touch-ups
Recommended Products for Braces
Essential Tools
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Replace every 2-3 months. Electric brushes like Oral-B or Sonicare are excellent choices.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Any ADA-approved brand works well.
Floss Threaders or Orthodontic Floss
Makes it easier to get floss under the wire. Look for brands like Oral-B Super Floss or Platypus Orthodontic Flossers.
Interdental Brushes (Proxy Brushes)
Small cone-shaped brushes perfect for cleaning around brackets. Ask us for free samples!
Fluoride Mouthwash
Use once daily to strengthen enamel. ACT or other alcohol-free brands recommended.
Game-Changers
Water Flosser (Waterpik)
The #1 tool recommended by orthodontists. Cleans in seconds and is clinically proven effective. Worth the investment!
Electric Toothbrush
Disclosing Tablets
Travel Hygiene Kit
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Clear aligners require special care to stay clean and invisible
Daily Aligner Care
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them
- Brush aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap
- Never use hot water – it can warp the plastic
- Don’t use toothpaste on aligners (it can scratch them)
- Soak aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner once daily
- Always brush and floss your teeth before putting aligners back in
❌ Don’t Do This
- Don’t eat or drink anything except water with aligners in
- Don’t use colored or scented soaps that can stain or smell
- Don’t leave aligners sitting out – bacteria can grow
- Don’t wrap aligners in a napkin (they get thrown away!)
- Don’t use mouthwash on aligners—it can discolor them
- Don’t skip brushing your teeth before reinserting aligners
Why This Matters:
Dirty aligners can harbor bacteria, cause bad breath, and become cloudy or yellowed—defeating the purpose of "invisible" braces! Clean aligners = healthy teeth and a treatment that stays discreet.
The Cost of Poor Hygiene During Treatment
We don't mean to scare you, but it's important to understand what's at stake
White Spot Lesions
Permanent white marks on your teeth where brackets were. These are areas of demineralization (early decay) and they don't go away when braces come off.
Prevention: Brush after every meal, use fluoride
White Spot Lesions
Permanent white marks on your teeth where brackets were. These are areas of demineralization (early decay) and they don't go away when braces come off.
Prevention: Brush after every meal, use fluoride
White Spot Lesions
Permanent white marks on your teeth where brackets were. These are areas of demineralization (early decay) and they don't go away when braces come off.
Prevention: Brush after every meal, use fluoride
White Spot Lesions
Permanent white marks on your teeth where brackets were. These are areas of demineralization (early decay) and they don't go away when braces come off.
Prevention: Brush after every meal, use fluoride
The good news? All of these problems are 100% preventable with proper care! We’re here to help you succeed.
Tips for Kids & Teens
Set Reminders
Use phone alarms or timers after meals to remember to brush. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
School Kit
Brush to Music
Mirror Check
Reward System
Buddy System
Common Hygiene Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing Through Brushing
Fix: Use a timer or electric brush with a built-in timer
Skipping Flossing
Fix: Get a water flosser – it’s life-changing!
Brushing Too Hard
Forgetting to Brush After Snacks
Using the Wrong Products
Not Replacing Toothbrush Often
We're Here to Support You
Free Hygiene Kits
We provide brushes, wax, and proxy brushes at your appointments
Personalized Instruction
We'll demonstrate proper techniques at every visit