We know, when you first get braces, it’s exciting and scary all at once. You can’t stop looking at them, and everything can feel really new – including brushing your teeth. 

But, everybody here knows that good oral hygiene is just as critical to a confident smile as braces are – so how do you keep your gums and teeth healthy with braces? Today, we’ll answer that question and more. 

How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy With Braces

It doesn’t have to be as hard as it may seem. Practice the same habits that you’ve always known –  brush your teeth with a toothbrush, floss and use mouthwash with fluoride. Because food can often get stuck in the brace brackets, we would encourage you to brush more often – even after every meal if possible.

There are also dental hygiene tool kits that can be used to ensure your braces stay extra clean, with specialized tools like an orthodontic flosser or waterpik. If you have aligners, then none of your standard day-to-say dental hygiene routine will need to change. 

With that said, below are some of the most common questions we hear asked about keeping your braces clean. 

Can You Brush Your Teeth With Braces?

Yes, absolutely. You can brush your teeth with your normal toothbrush, though soft with flexible bristles is best as it allows the brush to mold itself around the braces. 

You can also choose an orthodontic toothbrush, which is – as you might guess – a toothbrush designed for braces. Typically, this is a brush designed with specially shaped bristles, a narrow neck, and a strong grip. You can ask your orthodontist for a recommendation, too!

Should You Use an Electric Toothbrush? 

Electric toothbrushes typically will promote better oral hygiene, for people with or without braces. But they’re especially good for people with braces because they can more thoroughly clean out food and bacteria that gets tracked around the brackets and under the wires. 

With that said, you’ll want to be careful not to select an electric toothbrush that is hard on your teeth and gums. 

What Foods Should You Avoid To Prevent Damage To Your Braces?

While brushing your teeth is the number one priority when it comes to good oral hygiene, a damaged set of braces can really impede your ability to clean them. One of the main causes of a broken brace is the food you’re eating. 

That’s why we’re sharing a list of foods to avoid with braces. Avoiding these as often as possible can help keep your braces strong. Less breakages result in faster treatment.

• Gum.
• Licorice.
• Toffee.
• Tootsie Rolls.
• Corn on the cob.
• Caramel.
• Starburst.
• Chips.

A clean, confident smile is a happy smile. If you have questions about keeping your braces clean, or even if you’re in the market for braces, you can reach out to our team today.