Braces
Why is it important to care for your braces?
Fixed braces can make it hard to clean teeth properly because food and plaque can easily collect around brackets and wires. Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment is essential to help prevent problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and white spot lesions (early signs of enamel damage).
Poor cleaning can also lead to delays in treatment or damage to braces. The good news is that small, consistent daily habits can make a big difference in protecting your teeth and gums throughout your orthodontic journey.
How should you clean your teeth when you have braces?
Cleaning with braces means caring for both your teeth and the brace itself. A simple, consistent routine helps keep your mouth healthy.
1. Toothbrushing
· Brush after every meal and snack, where possible.
· Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
· Paying extra attention around brackets and the gumline.
· Brush slowly, methodically, and gently in a circular motion.
· Angle the brush above and below brackets to help remove trapped plaque.
2. Interdental and precision cleaning
Clean between teeth and around braces at least once daily, ideally as part of your brushing routine.
· Use interdental brushes and/or a single tufted brush to clean under wires and around brackets.
· Clean between teeth daily with interdental brushes, as spaces between teeth may change during orthodontic treatment.
· TAKE YOUR TIME, these areas are where plaque most commonly builds up and they can be tricky to clean.
3. Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help support your daily cleaning when used in conjunction with toothbrushing and interdental cleaning.
· Antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and support gum health.
· Fluoride mouthwash can help protect against tooth decay and white spot lesions.
· Choose alcohol-free mouthwashes as they are more comfortable and help reduce the risk of dry mouth.
Mouthwash is most effective when used at a different time to brushing, such as after lunch or when brushing isn’t possible.
Supporting oral health during orthodontic treatment
Caring for teeth with braces can take extra time and effort, and many people find it challenging at first. Developing a simple routine and using the right tools can make cleaning easier and more effective.
Staying consistent with daily oral hygiene helps protect your teeth during treatment and supports a healthier smile when braces are removed.
Helpful tools for cleaning around braces.
Brackets and wires create new plaque-retentive areas. Using specially designed cleaning tools can help you access around wires and between teeth more effectively.
Interdental Brushes Original
Great for cleaning under wires and around brackets as well as between teeth.
Angle
Can be used under wires, around brackets, and between teeth in those harder-to-reach areas.
EasyPick
A good choice to use on-the-go to remove food debris under wires, around brackets and between teeth.
EasyFit
Safe effective tool to clean under wires, around brackets, and between teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Gingival gel
Gingival gel can be applied to teeth during orthodontic treatment with an interdental brush or a specialty brush. It combines chlorhexidine, fluoride and xylitol, for extra protection against gum disease and tooth decay.
Supreme Toothbrush compact
Soft bristled toothbrush, with a compact head to help clean teeth and around brackets.
Compact Tuft
Ideal for precision cleaning around brackets, where teeth are crowded, and changing spaces between teeth.
Interspace
A precision brush with a changeable angle making it even easier to clean around brackets, in areas of crowding, and spaces between teeth.
Implant Orthodontic brush
Narrow toothbrush specially designed to clean above and below orthodontic wires.
Orthodontic Kit
A selection of tools ideal for caring for your teeth and braces during orthodontic treatment.
FAQs about braces care
Can you eat any foods with braces?
You can still enjoy most foods, but it is best to avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods as they can damage braces or become trapped around brackets and wires. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing carefully can help reduce problems.
How often should I visit the orthodontist?
Your orthodontist will advise how often you need appointments to monitor and adjust your braces. Most people attend appointments every 4–6 weeks, but this may vary depending on your treatment.