Starting braces or aligners is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—but keeping that smile clean takes a little extra effort. Brackets, wires, and trays can trap food in places your toothbrush didn’t have to worry about before. That’s why a solid hygiene routine is key during treatment. The leading Fresno and Clovis Orthodontist, Dr. Christensen, emphasizes that strong oral hygiene habits are the key to long-term success during treatment.
Here are some simple, effective tips to help you stay fresh, healthy, and on track throughout your orthodontic journey.
Brush and Floss Every Day (No Skipping)
Brushing at least twice a day is essential, but if you have braces or aligners, try to brush after every meal and snack. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and spend a full two minutes cleaning all surfaces of your teeth. Pay extra attention around brackets or attachments.
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and clean both above and below the wires. Don’t forget your tongue and gumline, bacteria love hiding there.
Flossing is just as important. For braces, use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get under the wires. If that feels tricky, water flossers or small interdental brushes can help remove food particles and reduce plaque. For aligners, daily flossing is simpler, since you can remove the trays and clean your teeth like normal.
Don’t Forget to Clean Your Aligners
If you wear clear aligners, cleaning them is just as important as brushing your teeth. Rinse your aligners every time you take them out, and brush them gently at least twice a day using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, it can warp the plastic.
You can also use a mild, clear soap or an aligner cleaning solution to keep them fresh. Never eat or drink anything but water while wearing your aligners. Trapping food or sugary drinks inside the trays can quickly lead to decay.
Watch What You Eat
Braces and certain foods don’t mix well. Avoid anything super hard, sticky, or crunchy—like popcorn, nuts, ice, gum, caramel, and taffy. These can break brackets or bend wires, which delays your treatment.
Try to avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice, too. These can coat your teeth in sugar, especially around brackets, possibly leading to white spots or decay.
If you’re wearing aligners, you can eat normally, but only after removing your trays. Just remember to brush your teeth before putting them back in. Pigmented drinks like coffee or red wine can stain the aligners and your teeth, so rinse after drinking and keep those trays clean.
Keep Your Breath Fresh
Braces and aligners can both cause bad breath if you’re not staying on top of cleaning. Brush your tongue, rinse with water often, and consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash before bed. This helps reduce bacteria and keeps things feeling fresh.
Stay hydrated, too. Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food and bacteria, and keeps your mouth from drying out.
Don’t Skip the Dentist
Even though you’ll be seeing your orthodontist regularly, it’s still important to visit your general dentist for cleanings every 4 to 6 months. These visits help remove plaque and tartar that you might miss at home.
Professional cleanings also help prevent gum inflammation, cavities, and staining, especially important when your braces come off or your aligners are done and your new smile is revealed.
Got Soreness? Here’s What Helps
It’s normal to feel a little sore when you first get braces or start a new aligner tray. Stick to soft foods for a day or two and use over-the-counter pain relief if needed. For irritation from braces, orthodontic wax works wonders. Apply a small piece over any brackets or wires that are rubbing your cheeks or lips.
A warm saltwater rinse can also help reduce soreness and heal minor spots inside your mouth.
Final Thought
Keeping your mouth clean during orthodontic treatment takes a little more time, but it’s worth it. With good habits, you’ll avoid cavities, protect your gums, and make sure your smile looks just as great when your braces come off or your last aligner is done.
Your orthodontist is here to guide you, but daily care is in your hands. Keep brushing, keep flossing, and enjoy the journey to your best smile yet.