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(617) 484-3260
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Oral Hygiene with Braces

Excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is essential for achieving the best results and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Learn the proper techniques and daily routines to keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.

Why It Matters

Braces create more places for food and plaque to hide. Without proper care, you risk cavities, gum disease, and permanent white spots on your teeth.

Life With Braces$Contact us$

Your Daily Hygiene Routine

Follow this comprehensive routine to keep your teeth, gums, and braces in perfect condition.

The Golden Rule: Brush After Every Meal

Breakfast

Brush thoroughly after your morning meal

Lunch

Clean around brackets and wires midday

Dinner

Complete evening cleaning routine

Pro Tip: Keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag, backpack, or at work so you can brush wherever you are!

Morning Routine

1

Rinse First

Rinse your mouth with water to loosen food particles and debris.

2

Brush for 2-3 Minutes

Use a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle. Brush all tooth surfaces, brackets, and wires..

3

Clean Around Brackets

Use an interdental brush (proxy brush) to clean between brackets and under wires.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with water and check in the mirror for any missed spots.

Evening Routine (Extra Thorough!)

1

Floss Between Every Tooth

Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to get under wires. This is crucial!

2

Brush Thoroughly (3 minutes)

Take extra time to clean every surface, especially at the gum line.

3

Use Interdental Brushes

Clean around each bracket and under wires from multiple angles.

4

Fluoride Rinse

Use a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

Proper Brushing Technique with Braces

Master these techniques to ensure thorough cleaning around your brackets and wires.

Above the Brackets

Angle brush down toward brackets. Brush along the gum line and top of each bracket.

On the Brackets

Brush directly on brackets with small circular motions. Clean around each individual bracket.

Below the Brackets

Angle brush up toward brackets. Clean along the bottom edge where brackets meet teeth.

Brushing Checklist:

  • Outer surfaces of upper teeth
  • Outer surfaces of lower teeth
  • Inner surfaces of upper teeth
  • Inner surfaces of lower teeth
  • Chewing surfaces of all teeth
  • Around every bracket
  • Along the gum line
  • Your tongue!
Time Check: If you’re brushing for less than 2 minutes, you’re not spending enough time. Use a timer or play a song!

Flossing with Braces

Yes, you still need to floss! It’s essential for preventing cavities and keeping gums healthy.

Traditional Flossing Method

1

Thread floss under the wire using a floss threader (like a sewing needle for floss)

2

Gently slide floss between teeth and curve it around each tooth in a C-shape

3

Move floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line

4

Repeat for every tooth—yes, all of them!

Time Required: 5-10 minutes • Frequency: Once daily (at night)

Water Flosser Method

A water flosser (like Waterpik) is an excellent alternative that’s easier and faster than traditional flossing with braces!

Easier to Use

No threading required—just point and spray

Highly Effective

Removes plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas

Faster

Takes about 2 minutes to clean your entire mouth

Gentle on Gums

Massages gums and improves circulation

Dr. Melita’s Recommendation: Water flossers are our #1 recommended tool for orthodontic patients!

Your Orthodontic Hygiene Toolkit

These tools make cleaning with braces easier and more effective.

Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Essential for daily cleaning. Replace every 3 months or sooner if bristles fray.

MUST HAVE

Fluoride Toothpaste

Strengthens enamel and prevents cavities during treatment.

MUST HAVE

Floss Threaders or Orthodontic Floss

Allows you to get floss under wires and between teeth.

MUST HAVE

Interdental Brushes

Small brushes that clean around brackets and under wires effectively.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Water Flosser

Our top recommendation! Makes flossing fast, easy, and effective.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Fluoride Mouthwash

Extra protection against cavities, especially at night.
RECOMMENDED

Warning Signs to Watch For

Contact us immediately if you notice any of these issues.

White Spots on Teeth

These are early signs of cavities (demineralization). They indicate plaque buildup and require immediate attention. Improve your brushing and let us know right away!

Swollen or Bleeding Gums

Your gums should be pink and firm, not red, puffy, or bleeding when you brush. This is a sign of gingivitis and means you need to brush and floss more thoroughly.

Persistent Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath can indicate trapped food, poor oral hygiene, or gum disease. Increase your cleaning frequency and schedule a cleaning if it persists.

Tooth Sensitivity or Pain

Sensitivity or pain (not related to teeth moving) may indicate a cavity. Contact our office so we can evaluate and refer you to your dentist if needed.

Final Tips for Success

Do's:


  • Brush after every meal and snack

  • Floss at least once daily

  • Use a water flosser for easier cleaning

  • Carry a travel toothbrush everywhere

  • Visit your dentist every 6 months

  • Use fluoride products daily

Don'ts:


  • Skip brushing (even once!)

  • Rush through your hygiene routine

  • Use hard-bristled brushes

  • Ignore bleeding or swollen gums

  • Eat sticky or hard foods

  • Forget to replace your toothbrush

Remember: Excellent Hygiene = Beautiful Results!

The time you invest in oral care now will pay off with a stunning, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

Questions About Oral Care?

Our team is here to help you maintain excellent oral health throughout treatment.

Contact Us$(617) 484-3260$
Visit us at 11 Alexander Ave, Belmont, MA 02478