When you begin orthodontic treatment, you’re taking a big step towards a healthier, straighter smile, and it’s important to keep your teeth and gums clean along the way! While braces or aligners are designed to give you that picture-perfect grin, keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment takes a little extra care. But don’t worry! Just follow these 9 tips for maintaining oral hygiene with braces from the team at Sexson Orthodontics to stay on the right track. Trust us, your future self will thank you!
#1: Brush After Every Meal
When you have braces or aligners, you’ll need to brush more often than you might be used to. Food particles can easily get trapped in brackets, wires, or aligner trays, creating a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria. This bad bacteria can then lead to cavities which can extend your treatment period. To prevent this, you should brush your teeth after every meal or at least rinse your mouth thoroughly if brushing isn’t an option right away.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and make sure you’re brushing around every bracket and wire. Consider using an orthodontic toothbrush with V-shaped bristles, as they’re specifically designed to clean effectively around braces.
#2: Master the Right Technique
Brushing technique matters, especially when you’re wearing braces. Instead of the usual up-and-down or side-to-side scrubbing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and make small circular motions. Gently clean each tooth, giving extra attention to the area around your brackets or aligners. With braces, it’s important to get above and below the brackets as well. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces and the back of your teeth, as they’re just as prone to plaque buildup!
#3: Use an Interdental Brush
An interdental brush is a small, spiky brush designed to get into the nooks and crannies that your regular toothbrush can’t reach. These brushes are great for cleaning around braces and between teeth. Use them in conjunction with your normal brushing routine to remove any lingering food particles and plaque.
The interdental brush is especially helpful in cleaning those hard-to-reach places around brackets and under wires. Using it regularly will help you keep your teeth in great shape and reduce the risk of developing white spots on your enamel.
#4: Use A Floss Threader
Flossing might seem like a daunting task when you’ve got a mouthful of metal, but it’s a step you can’t afford to skip. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, places where your toothbrush can’t reach. To make it easier, use a floss threader or specialized orthodontic floss designed to slip under the archwires. Remember: flossing just once a day can make a world of difference in preventing cavities and keeping your gums healthy.

#5: Try a Water Flosser
If regular flossing feels difficult with braces, a water flosser can be a great alternative. Water flossers use a pressurized stream of water to remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth and around brackets. They’re easy to use and can help you reach those tricky spots around your braces or aligners.
Water flossers are particularly helpful if you’re prone to gum irritation. They’re gentle and efficient, making it easier to keep up with your flossing routine.
#6: Rinse with Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup, especially in areas that you might miss while brushing or flossing. Look for a mouthwash with fluoride to provide extra protection against cavities.
Using mouthwash once a day after brushing and flossing can help keep your breath fresh and make sure your mouth stays clean and healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
#7: Avoid Sugary and Sticky Foods
The foods you eat have a big impact on your oral hygiene, especially when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Sugary and sticky foods can easily get stuck in your braces, aligners, or between your teeth, leading to plaque buildup and cavities.
Try to avoid sticky candies, gum, caramel, and anything that could pull on your brackets or damage your wires. Hard foods can also pose a risk of breaking your braces, so be cautious with items like nuts, hard candy, or even apples. Cutting food into smaller pieces can make it easier to chew and reduce the risk of damaging your braces.
#8: Keep Up with Regular Orthodontic & Dental Appointments
Your orthodontic appointments aren’t just for adjusting wires or getting new aligners. They’re also important opportunities for your orthodontist to check on your oral hygiene. Regular visits help catch any problems early, like plaque buildup or gum inflammation, and give your orthodontist a chance to provide tips and guidance on how to keep your teeth clean.
Remember to keep up with your regular dental checkups as well! Professional cleanings are crucial for removing tartar and ensuring your teeth stay healthy during treatment.
#9: Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth cleaner. Water also helps stimulate saliva production, which naturally protects your teeth from harmful acids and bacteria. Make a habit of drinking water throughout the day, especially after meals and snacks. It’s an easy, effective way to support your overall oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.

Your Smile Deserves the Extra Care
Orthodontic treatment is a fantastic opportunity to improve your smile, and maintaining great oral hygiene is a huge part of making sure your journey is a success. With the right tools, techniques, and daily habits, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and set yourself up for a stunning, confident smile when your braces or aligners come off.
If you have questions or need more tips, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly team at Sexson Orthodontics. We’re here to help you every step of the way, making sure your orthodontic journey is a smooth one and making sure your smile is something to be proud of!
Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment with Sexson Orthodontics in Rockford or Roscoe today, and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams!