All About Braces: Care, Comfort, and Oral Hygiene
Proper care is essential when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. Brackets and wires create new spaces where food and plaque can collect, so keeping your smile clean becomes even more important. A consistent routine helps protect your teeth, gums, and enamel throughout treatment. Patients with a history of gum sensitivity or periodontal concerns should continue regular visits with their dentist or periodontist while in braces to ensure their oral health stays on track.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Brushing
Brush for a full two minutes after every meal using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. A small-headed brush helps you reach around brackets more easily. Powered toothbrushes can also enhance your cleaning. Use light circular motions along the gums, around brackets, and across chewing surfaces.
Flossing
Flossing is just as important as brushing, especially with braces. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to slide beneath the wire and clean between each tooth. Gently floss under the gumline to remove plaque your toothbrush may miss. If flossing is challenging, a water flosser can make the process quicker and more comfortable.
Eating with Braces
Some foods can damage brackets or wires, so small adjustments to your diet will help keep treatment running smoothly.
Foods to Avoid
Sticky snacks like caramel, taffy, and gum
Hard foods such as nuts, hard candy, and ice
Crunchy foods like popcorn and chips
Chewy foods including bagels and licorice
Foods you bite into (whole apples, corn on the cob, raw carrots)
Braces-Friendly Foods
Dairy: yogurt, soft cheeses, milkshakes
Soft breads: tortillas, muffins (without nuts), pancakes
Grains: pasta, soft rice
Proteins: tender chicken, lunch meats, meatballs
Seafood: salmon, tuna, flaked fish
Vegetables: steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, beans
Fruits: bananas, applesauce, soft berries
Treats: Jell-O, ice cream without nuts, soft cakes
Avoid chewing pencils, fingernails, or other non-food objects, as these can cause unnecessary damage to your braces.
Adjusting to Braces: What to Expect
Soreness
It’s common to experience mild soreness or irritation in the first few days after getting braces or after adjustments. Orthodontic wax, warm salt-water rinses, or over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort while your mouth adapts.
Loose Teeth
Teeth may feel slightly loose at first, that’s a normal part of the alignment process. They’ll stabilize as treatment progresses and the bite improves.
Loose Wires or Bands
If a wire or band becomes loose, try gently nudging it back into place with a clean pencil eraser. Cover the area with wax until your next visit. Contact our office if the irritation continues.
Rubber Bands and Appliances
If Dr. Cardinal prescribes rubber bands, expanders, or other appliances, consistency is key. Wearing them exactly as instructed keeps treatment on track and helps prevent unnecessary delays.
Playing Sports with Braces
You can absolutely stay active and participate in sports with braces. We strongly recommend wearing a protective mouthguard to shield your teeth and appliances from impact. If an injury occurs:
Check for loose teeth or damaged braces
Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritated areas
Place orthodontic wax on any sharp edges
Contact our office promptly for guidance
Braces shouldn’t hold you back, they should support your journey to a healthier, aligned smile.