All About Braces Care and Oral Hygiene
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile, but it also comes with a few daily habits that help keep treatment on track. Proper oral hygiene and appliance care play a major role in treatment success. Below is everything you need to know about caring for your braces and protecting your smile throughout orthodontic treatment.
How Do I Brush and Floss With Braces?
Oral hygiene becomes even more important once your braces are on. Because brackets and wires create more places for food and plaque to hide, brushing and flossing regularly are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums during treatment.
Daily oral hygiene tips include:
- Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Clean carefully around brackets, wires, and along the gumline
- Floss at least once a day using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser
- Use a water flosser or interdental brushes for added cleaning support
If oral hygiene is not maintained, more frequent dental cleanings may be required. Adults with a history of gum disease should continue regular visits with a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
Instructional videos below demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques for patients with braces.
What Can I Eat With Braces?
One of the most common questions patients ask is what foods are safe during orthodontic treatment. For the first day or two after getting braces, it is best to stick with soft foods while your mouth adjusts.
As soreness decreases, you can gradually return to a normal diet while continuing to protect your braces throughout treatment.
What Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?
To prevent broken brackets and bent wires, certain foods should be avoided during treatment.
Foods to avoid include:
- Chewy foods: Barbacoa tacos, fresh bolillo bread, licorice
- Crunchy foods: Chicharrones, tortilla chips, ice
- Sticky foods: Cajeta, fruit chews, bubble gum
- Hard foods: Pecans, candied peanuts, lollipops
- Foods you bite into: Corn on the cob, whole apples, raw carrots
Chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails can also damage braces and may extend treatment time.
Is Soreness Normal After Getting Braces?
Yes. Mild soreness is common after braces are placed or adjusted. Teeth may feel tender for several days, and the lips, cheeks, or tongue may be irritated as they adjust to the brackets.
Ways to manage discomfort include:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief such as Tylenol
- Using orthodontic wax to cover irritating brackets or wires
- Rinsing with warm salt water to soothe sore areas
This discomfort typically fades within a few days.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose During Treatment?
Feeling slight looseness in your teeth can be surprising, but it is completely normal. Teeth must loosen slightly in order to move into their new positions. Once treatment is complete, the teeth will firm up again as they stabilize.
What Should I Do If a Wire or Band Comes Loose?
Occasionally, wires or bands may loosen during treatment.
If this happens:
- Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire out of the way
- Apply orthodontic wax or a small piece of wet cotton to reduce irritation
- Contact our office during regular hours to schedule a repair appointment
Avoid trying to cut or adjust wires yourself.
Why Is Wearing Rubber Bands So Important?
Rubber bands play a critical role in guiding tooth movement and correcting bite alignment. Teeth and jaws only move as planned when elastics are worn exactly as prescribed.
Skipping rubber band wear or damaging appliances can slow progress and extend treatment time. Following instructions closely helps ensure timely, successful results.
Do I Need a Mouthguard for Sports With Braces?
Yes. If you participate in sports or physical activities, wearing a mouthguard is essential.
A custom mouthguard helps:
- Protect teeth, braces, and jaws from injury
- Reduce the risk of broken brackets or dental trauma
- Allow comfortable breathing and speaking during activity
Whether you play contact sports or recreational activities, protecting your smile is an important part of orthodontic care.