How to clean braces: a step-by-step daily routine
Braces trap food and plaque more easily than natural teeth. Here is what you need and how to brush properly during treatment.
Dr. Stefan ZahmanovDoctor of Dental Medicine, Orthodontist
Braces are the most predictable way to move teeth into place, but while they are on, food and plaque collect around every bracket and under the wire. Good hygiene is half of a successful treatment - it protects the enamel and gums and helps the result arrive on time.
Why hygiene matters so much
Plaque left around braces can lead to inflamed gums and white spots on the enamel - the first sign of demineralisation. With the right habits and tools this is easy to avoid, and once the braces come off the teeth stay smooth and healthy.
What you need
A soft or special orthodontic toothbrush with a V-shaped head
Interdental brushes for the space under the wire
Floss with a threader, or a water flosser
Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
Brushing step by step
Rinse with water to remove larger food particles.
Brush above and below the brackets, holding the brush at about 45°.
Run an interdental brush under the wire between every two brackets.
Clean between the teeth with floss or a water flosser.
Finish with a fluoride mouthwash and avoid eating for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: carry a small brush and toothpaste with you so you can brush after meals away from home too.
Foods to avoid
Very hard and sticky foods can loosen a bracket or bend the wire. During treatment avoid nuts, hard sweets, caramel and chewing gum, and cut apples and carrots into small pieces.
Questions about orthodontic treatment? Read more on our orthodontics page or browse real cases from our practice.
