Braces are a common orthodontic treatment that gradually moves teeth into alignment using continuous, gentle pressure. The success of this process relies significantly on diligent home care. Meticulous oral hygiene and careful habits are necessary to prevent issues like enamel decalcification (white spots) or cavities around the brackets. Maintaining your braces and oral health ensures the treatment progresses efficiently toward a healthy, straight smile.
Daily Oral Hygiene Techniques
Cleaning your teeth and orthodontic hardware requires a more detailed approach than before the braces were placed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and brush the area above the brackets in gentle, circular motions. Reposition the brush head to clean below the brackets, ensuring bristles reach all metal surfaces and exposed enamel. Brush all teeth for a full two minutes at least twice daily, and ideally after every meal.
Specialized tools are needed to clean the small, hard-to-reach spaces created by the brackets and wires. Interdental brushes (proxabrushes) are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to slide underneath the archwire and clean between individual brackets. They quickly remove trapped food particles and plaque buildup from the intricate parts of the appliance. Water flossers are another effective tool, using a pressurized stream of water to flush out debris from around the braces and below the gumline, complementing the action of the toothbrush.
For traditional flossing, which is necessary to clean between the teeth, a floss threader or specialized orthodontic floss is required to navigate the archwire. A floss threader is a loop that guides the floss under the wire, allowing you to gently slide it down between the teeth to the gumline. Repeat this process for every space between the teeth to effectively remove plaque, which is a crucial step in preventing gum inflammation and decay. Finish your routine with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to rinse away residual bacteria and strengthen the enamel against decay.
Essential Dietary Modifications
Protecting the integrity of the braces hardware requires significant dietary changes. Avoid foods that are overly hard, sticky, or chewy, as they pose a direct threat of bending the archwire or dislodging a bracket.
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Hard candies
- Chewing gum
- Caramels
These items can physically damage the appliance and prolong treatment time. Even ice should not be chewed.
Hard fruits and vegetables that require aggressive biting, such as whole apples and raw carrots, also risk damaging the brackets. To safely consume these items, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces before eating. This modification allows you to chew with your back teeth, reducing the force applied to the front brackets. Similarly, cut tough meats into smaller portions, or choose tender cuts or soft-cooked versions.
Beyond the texture of the food, reducing the consumption of highly sugary and acidic beverages or foods is also advised. Sugars feed the bacteria that produce acids, which can erode the enamel, particularly in the hard-to-clean areas immediately surrounding the brackets. If you consume sweet or acidic items, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water afterward can help neutralize the acids and wash away residual particles. Choosing soft, nutrient-rich foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables is the safest choice for maintaining both the braces and overall oral health.
Managing Discomfort and Hardware Issues
Temporary soreness in the teeth and gums is normal immediately after braces are placed or following an adjustment appointment. This discomfort results from the pressure applied to move the teeth and usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage this initial tenderness, and a saltwater rinse can help soothe any irritated areas of the mouth. Sticking to a diet of soft foods during these periods of heightened sensitivity will also make eating more comfortable.
Brackets and wires can sometimes cause irritation by rubbing against the soft tissues of the lips, cheeks, or tongue. Orthodontic wax is an effective solution: pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and press it directly onto the part of the appliance causing the discomfort. This creates a smooth barrier that protects the delicate oral tissues while they adjust to the new hardware. Over time, the inside of the mouth often toughens up, and the need for wax decreases.
Minor hardware issues can sometimes be managed temporarily at home. If a wire shifts or becomes loose and pokes the cheek, gently push it back into position using the eraser end of a clean pencil or a cotton swab. If this is not possible, cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax to prevent further injury until you can see the orthodontist. Severe issues, such as a broken bracket or a wire that has completely come out, require a professional repair.