Congratulations on starting your smile transformation at Younis Orthodontics! Whether you’ve just begun braces, have set up your first appointment, or are considering braces, you’ve already taken steps to achieve the beautiful smile and functional bite you deserve! There’s a lot to look forward to when you’re a braces patient, including but not limited to, loving the aesthetic of your smile. And when you know how to take care of braces, the orthodontic journey is just as enjoyable as the results. The following best practices for keeping braces clean are your playbook for feeling good, taking an active role in the process, and making the most of every step.
Why Braces Care Matters
Braces from Younis Orthodontics can give you a perfectly aligned smile that makes good oral hygiene easy. Unfortunately, while you’re wearing the braces, food can get stuck, plaque builds up faster, and you have to work a bit harder to keep your teeth and gums healthy. That’s why daily braces care matters throughout your orthodontic treatment experience.
Keeping your braces clean is crucial to avoid cavities, gum irritation, white spots, and other problems that can stick around long after the brackets are gone.
On the flip side, daily cleaning is simple and makes a noticeable difference. You’ll feel better, your mouth will be more comfortable, and you won’t be second-guessing your breath or worrying about what might be stuck in your teeth. Clean braces let you go about your day with confidence, and that makes every part of treatment more manageable.
This process is a big commitment. Taking care of your braces is one way to make sure that commitment pays off.
Brush With Intent
Brushing with braces makes meal and snacktime take a little more time, but it pays off. To keep your mouth fresh and free of buildup, aim to brush after every meal and snack. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and hold it at a 45-degree angle to gently clean above and below your brackets. Don’t forget the gumline and chewing surfaces. These areas matter too.
Be thorough but gentle. Scrubbing too hard can hurt your gums or damage your enamel. Focus on brushing every tooth individually, especially around the hardware. It can help to divide your mouth into sections—upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left—and spend about 30 seconds on each.
An electric toothbrush can be helpful, but it isn’t required. Some patients find it easier to clean around brackets and wires with one. What matters most is your consistency. Replace your toothbrush (or brush head) more often, since braces can wear them down faster than usual.
Upgrade Your Flossing Technique
Traditional floss can be tricky when you have wires in the way. But skipping flossing isn’t the answer. That’s where tools like floss threaders, a water flosser, and interdental brushes can help. These products get between your teeth and around your brackets to remove food and plaque.
Each tool works a bit differently. Floss threaders can help you slip thread floss between your teeth, whereas a water flosser uses a stream of water to flush out debris, making it ideal for patients who find string floss uncomfortable or difficult to manage. Interdental brushes or proxy brushes can slide between teeth or around hardware to physically dislodge buildup.
You might need to try a couple of options to see what works best for your mouth, but using at least one of them daily can go a long way. Some patients use a combination: a water flosser at night and interdental brushes on the go. The important thing is to make flossing a regular part of your day, even if it’s a little different from what it was before braces.
Avoid Certain Foods: What Not To Eat With Braces
Your diet plays a big role in braces care. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can damage your appliances and make cleaning much harder. Be cautious with foods like:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Bubble gum
- Caramel or taffy
- Ice
These foods can bend wires, break brackets, or get stuck in hard-to-reach places. Even small pieces left behind can attract bacteria, which increases the risk of plaque and tooth decay.
Soft fruits, steamed veggies, yogurt, pasta, and other braces-friendly options are easier to manage and less likely to cause breakage or buildup. Cutting up crunchy items like apples or carrots into small, manageable pieces can also help. Keeping your meals and snacks simple can help you avoid extra visits or emergency repairs—and it makes cleanup much easier.
Take Care Of Your Braces On-The-Go
Having a small braces care kit with you makes it easy to stay on track no matter where the day takes you. Whether you’re heading to school, work, practice, or a weekend trip, keeping your essentials close means you’re always prepared to keep your braces clean and your mouth feeling fresh.
We recommend taking your kit everywhere you go and keeping it stocked with:
- Travel toothbrush & toothpaste
- Floss picks or an interdental brush
- Orthodontic wax
- A compact mirror
- Extra rubber bands (if prescribed)
- A water bottle for rinsing and staying hydrated
To get the most out of your kit, you should keep your braces care supplies in an easy-to-reach spot, replace your travel toothbrush regularly for cleanliness, and always restock on items when you’re running low!
Don’t Skip Dental Cleanings
Just because braces cover a portion of your teeth doesn’t mean you no longer need a regular dental cleaning from your dentist. In fact, they actually make professional cleanings even more important. Your dentist can clear away stubborn bacteria, identify problem areas you need to give a little extra attention, and apply a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth, making these visits essential to preventing cavities and gum disease during your orthodontic treatment. If Martinsburg orthodontist Dr. Younis or your dentist recommends more frequent visits, it’s worth following through. These appointments help catch problems early and support your treatment goals.
Know Your Routine = Your Results
The habits you build now shape your treatment timeline and your final results. Your daily schedule should include brushing after meals, flossing at night, and rinsing with mouthwash. Set reminders if needed; it’s easier to stay on track with a plan.
Even a few missed days can lead to plaque buildup, gum irritation, or white spots on your teeth. Whenever you feel like slacking, remember that your future smile depends on the care you give it today!
Common Mistakes To Avoid
No one gets it perfect every time, but being aware of common missteps can help you avoid them:
- Skipping your nighttime routine
- Brushing too hard and damaging gums or enamel
- Chewing on pens, ice, or fingernails
Another mistake is ignoring discomfort instead of reaching out for help. If a bracket feels loose, a wire is poking you, or you’re having trouble keeping things clean, it’s better to speak up. The sooner you address an issue, the easier it is to fix.
If you’re ever unsure about a product or habit, ask your orthodontist before making a change. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your braces care.
Good Habits Start With Good Support
Braces come with questions, especially if this is the first orthodontic experience for you or your family. Fortunately, answers are always close by when you’re a Younis Orthodontics patient. Dr. Younis and the team take time to address your concerns, recommend helpful tools, and make sure your care feels manageable.
Let’s keep your smile healthy, clean, and on track for a great result! Reach out to our Martinsburg, WV office any time you need support, want to check in, or are ready to book your next visit. We’re proud to be part of your smile story and are happy to help you keep things moving forward.