Dental Hygiene

Get our top tips on taking care of your teeth during and after receiving orthodontic care.

Taking Care of Your Teeth with Braces

Oral hygiene is extra important while you have braces. Food gets stuck around the brackets, and it takes more time and attention to clean it all out. You will need to work extra hard brushing and flossing to keep your teeth in good condition. If you don’t keep your teeth clean, you can get gingivitis, white stains on your teeth, or even cavities.

Brushing & Flossing Tips for People with Braces

Brushing Tips

With braces, it is best to brush after every time you eat.
The minimum necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to brush thoroughly twice a day.
Use a soft bristled toothbrush, and take your time to angle the bristles under the edges of the brackets.
It takes at least 2 minutes to do a good job brushing.
You can use small interdental brushes, also called proxy brushes, to clean out food in hard to reach areas.

Flossing Tips

You should floss once a day with braces.
The easiest is to use a floss pick that is made for braces. One side is very thin so it fits behind the wire on your braces
Some people like to use a water pick to help clean out food debris. This is ok to use, but it should not replace regular brushing and flossing.

FAQs About Dental Hygiene

Discover frequently asked questions about dental hygiene to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

What foods should I avoid to prevent tooth decay?

Sugar is the biggest cause of cavities. You should limit the amount and the frequency of sugar intake, especially with braces.

What foods can damage my teeth?

Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can break your braces. You should avoid these foods. Carrots, apples, etc can be sliced thin and chewed with the back teeth.

Do I need to visit my regular dentist while receiving Orthodontic care?

Yes! You should still go to the regular dentist for regular check ups and cleanings while you have braces.

What type of toothbrush can I use while wearing braces?

Use a soft bristled toothbrush to avoid damage to the gums. Some people find that an electric toothbrush helps them clean their teeth better, but it is not necessary.

Can I use an electric toothbrush with braces?

It is ok to use an electric toothbrush if you like, but it is not necessary. Most electric toothbrushes will time your brushing, making it easier to spend enough time brushing. Some of them also shut off if you push too hard, which helps protect your gums. The most important thing is always angling the brush head behind all of the brackets so it can reach the hard to get areas.

How often should I floss while wearing braces?

You should floss once a day, with or without braces! Special floss picks make it easier to floss with braces.