1. Brush After Every Meal - With braces, brushing twice a day isn’t always enough. Aim to brush after every meal to prevent food from sticking around your brackets and wires. Use a soft bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head, and brush for a solid 2 minutes. Pro Tip: Brush at a 45-degree angle above and below the brackets to really get in there.
2. Use Interdental Brushes - These tiny brushes are a game-changer. They fit between brackets and wires to help clean spots your regular toothbrush can’t reach. Pro Tip: Keep interdental brushes in your backpack for quick cleaning after lunch.
3. Floss Daily - Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss picks to make it easier to get under the wires. They act like a needle and help guide the floss between your teeth, so you can clean around each bracket without the frustration. Pro Tip: Try a water flosser. Water flossers blast away food and plaque with zero threading needed. Fast, easy, and braces-friendly!
4. Avoid Sticky, Hard, and Sugary Snacks - Braces and certain foods don’t mix. Say no to: Gum, caramels, and taffy, Hard candies or popcorn, Crunchy things like ice or hard pretzels. These can break wires and pop off brackets, which could lead to extended treatment time. Pro Tip: If you need a treat, go for softer options like yogurt, smoothies, or chocolate (just rinse after eating).
5. Rinse with Mouthwash - A fluoride mouthwash can help strengthen your enamel and rinse away leftover bacteria. It’s especially useful if you’re struggling to reach every spot while brushing and flossing. Pro Tip: Rinse once a day after brushing and flossing, swishing for 30–60 seconds. Bonus: It helps keep your breath fresh and your smile brace-face confident!
6. Keep Up with Dental & Orthodontic Appointments - Regular visits to your orthodontist make sure your braces are working properly, and your dentist keeps your teeth and gums healthy underneath the brackets and wires. Don’t skip them! Pro Tip: Use reminder alerts on your phone to stay on top of dental and orthodontic visits.
7. Stay Patient and Positive - Braces are temporary but the benefits last forever. Take pride in the process, follow your care routine, and trust the journey. Your future smile will thank you.
Braces are a big step toward a confident, healthy smile. With just a few extra care tips in your routine, you’ll be on your way to flashing those perfect pearly whites in no time.
If you have any questions on how to keep your teeth healthy during your orthodontic treatment, please feel free to reach out to the team at Medina Orthodontics.
