How to Care for Braces: Your Guide to Oral Hygiene and Comfort

Wearing braces is a big step toward a healthy, beautiful smile. But it also means changing how you take care of your teeth. Good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is key to preventing cavities, gum disease, and stains. Plus, caring for your braces helps you stay comfortable and keeps your treatment on track. Whether you just got your braces or you're helping a child through the process, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Brushing with Braces

Brushing your teeth is more important than ever when you have braces. Food and plaque can get stuck around brackets and wires, leading to cavities and gum problems. Here's how to do it right:

Brushing Tips:

Brush after every meal: If you can't, rinse your mouth with water until you can brush.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush, which is shaped to clean around brackets.

• Brush for two minutes each time.
• Use small circular motions at a 45-degree angle.
• Brush above, below, and directly on the brackets.

Electric toothbrushes can be helpful, especially those with special orthodontic heads. Just make sure to use one with soft bristles to protect your gums.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing can be tricky with braces, but it’s still a must. It helps remove food and plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.

Flossing Tools:

• Floss threaders help you guide floss behind each wire.
• Orthodontic floss has a stiff end to make threading easier.
• Water flossers (oral irrigators) shoot a stream of water to clean between teeth and around brackets.

Water flossers are a favorite for many patients. They’re easy to use, especially for younger kids or anyone who struggles with traditional floss.

Recommended Products for Braces

Here are a few must-haves to make oral care easier and more effective:

• An orthodontic toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with soft bristles
• Floss threaders or orthodontic floss
• Water flosser (like Waterpik)
• Fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities
• Antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and inflammation
• Orthodontic wax to soothe irritation from brackets and wires
• Interdental brushes for cleaning around brackets and under wires

What Foods to Avoid and Why

Braces don’t mix well with certain foods. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can break brackets or bend wires, which can delay treatment.

Foods to Avoid:

• Sticky candy (caramel, taffy, gum)
• Hard foods (nuts, popcorn, ice, hard candy)
• Chewy foods (bagels, licorice, tough meats)
• Crunchy snacks (chips, pretzels, raw carrots, apples)
• Sugary foods and drinks (limit to prevent cavities)

You don’t have to give up all your favorites, just modify them. For example, cut apples into thin slices or steam crunchy veggies until soft.

Dealing with Soreness, Ulcers, and Irritation

It’s normal to feel some discomfort after getting braces or after adjustments. Here’s how to manage it:

For Soreness:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed.
• Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies for a few days.

For Irritation:

• Use orthodontic wax on brackets or wires that rub the inside of your mouth.
• Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz of warm water) to soothe sores.

For Ulcers or Cuts:

• Avoid spicy or acidic foods until they heal.
• Use a mouth sore gel (like Orajel) to numb the area.

If a wire is poking out or causing pain, call your orthodontist. Don’t try to fix it yourself unless you’re given instructions.

Tips for Staying on Track

Taking care of your braces every day helps avoid problems and keeps your treatment moving smoothly.

Helpful Habits:

Keep a braces kit with a toothbrush, floss, wax, and mirror in your backpack or locker.

• Set reminders on your phone to brush after meals and floss at night.
• Visit your orthodontist regularly for check-ups and adjustments.
• Don’t skip cleanings with your regular dentist.

Parent Tip: Encourage your child by using a sticker chart or reward system to make brushing and flossing fun.

Final Thoughts: Make It a Routine

Good care during orthodontic treatment helps protect your teeth, makes braces more comfortable, and can even shorten treatment time. By brushing and flossing the right way, avoiding problem foods, and knowing how to deal with discomfort, you’ll make the journey to a great smile much smoother.

Local Resources for Saskatoon Families

• Saskatchewan Dental Health Programs​
• Canadian Association of Orthodontists​
• Canadian Dental Association​