To care for braces properly, brush after every meal, floss daily, avoid hard and sticky foods, use orthodontic wax for irritation, wear elastics as instructed, protect your braces during sports, limit sugary drinks, and keep up with regular orthodontic and dental checkups.

How to Care for Braces the Right Way – Essential Orthodontic Tips

Published on : November 21, 2025
Last updated: November 21, 2025
Post Views: 14

Getting braces is a big step toward a confident and beautifully aligned smile. But once they are fitted, your teeth and gums need a little more attention than usual. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about caring for your braces in a simple, practical, India-friendly manner. Whether you’re new to orthodontic treatment or assisting your child, these steps will help you avoid discomfort, prevent dental issues, and make your treatment smoother.

As part of our orthodontic care approach at Summit Dental Clinic, we always remind patients that good hygiene with braces is not optional; it is essential.

Why Proper Braces Care Matters

Braces create small corners and spaces where food easily gets trapped. If not cleaned well daily, this can lead to:

Plaque and tartar buildup

Gum swelling

Bad breath

Cavities

Staining around brackets

Longer treatment time

Studies show that patients with strong oral hygiene habits during braces treatment tend to finish 20–30% faster, as the teeth move more efficiently.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly With Braces

Brushing with braces requires a slightly different technique, but once learned, it becomes second nature.

Step-by-Step Brushing Technique

Start by removing removable parts If you wear elastics or small appliances, remove them first.
Use a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush Manual or electric, both work. The key is technique.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle This helps clean between the bracket and the gumline.
Brush above and below the brackets separately Use gentle sweeping motions away from the gums. Follow this with small circular movements for thorough cleaning.
Clean all three surfaces
- Outer surfaces
- Inner surfaces
- Chewing surfaces
Avoid brushing too hard Excess pressure can irritate gums and damage enamel.
Brush for 2–3 minutes maximum
That’s enough to clean effectively without overdoing it.

How Many Times Should You Brush?

Time	Why It Helps
Morning	Removes bacteria collected overnight
After meals	Prevents food from sticking to brackets
Night	Most important stops nighttime plaque buildup

Flossing With Braces

Flossing becomes even more important during orthodontic treatment because food can easily hide between wires and teeth.

Two Best Ways to Floss

A. Water Flosser / Water Pik

Easy to use

Powerful cleaning

Reduces gum swelling

Ideal for teens and adults

B. Floss Threaders

Helps floss pass under the wire

Cleans between teeth

Affordable and effective

Flossing before bed is the best routine, as it removes everything collected during the day.

Clean Your Tongue Daily

Your tongue holds bacteria that cause bad breath.
Use a tongue scraper every day; it keeps your mouth fresher and cleaner.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

Some foods can damage wires or brackets. Others get stuck and make cleaning difficult.

Type	Examples
Hard	Chikki, popcorn, roasted chana, dry fruits
Sticky	Toffee, gajak, jalebi, and ladoos with jaggery
Crunchy	Chips, papad, murukku
Chewy	Hard parathas, pizza crust, tough breads
Sugary	Directly biting chocolate bars or mithai

Safe Foods With Braces

Khichdi

Idli, dosa, upma

Dal rice

Soft rotis

Paneer

Soft fruits like banana, mango, papaya

Pro tip: Always cut your food into small bites.

What to Do if a Bracket or Wire Breaks

Here are common orthodontic issues and how to handle them:

Problem	What It Means	What You Should Do
Broken bracket	Possibly bit something hard	Avoid chewing on that side; book an appointment
Poking wire	The wire has shifted	Cover with ortho wax; visit your dentist
Loose band	The ring feels unstable	Avoid sticky or hard foods
Soreness	Normal after tightening	Salt water rinses help

Note: Never try to fix wires or brackets at home.

How to Handle Soreness After Tightening

You may feel tightness for 1–3 days after adjustments.

What Helps

Warm salt water rinses

Soft foods like curd rice, dal rice, mashed veggies

Using ortho wax for areas that poke

Avoid biting with front teeth

If pain lasts beyond a week, get it checked.

Must Have Tools for Braces Care

Tool	Purpose
Soft toothbrush	Gentle but effective cleaning
Electric toothbrush	Helpful for deeper cleaning
Interdental brushes	Clean around brackets
Water flosser	Quick cleaning between teeth
Ortho wax	Prevents irritation
Fluoride toothpaste	Strengthens enamel
Antimicrobial mouthwash	Controls bacteria

Daily Care Checklist for Braces

✔ Brush 2–3 times
✔ Floss once
✔ Use interdental brushes
✔ Rinse after meals
✔ Avoid hard/chewy foods
✔ Clean tongue
✔ Stay consistent with elastics
✔ Attend follow-up appointments

Even quick rinsing after snacks makes a big difference.

A Small Reminder From Summit Dental Clinic

During treatment, we always encourage our patients to stay consistent with their hygiene routine. Even small habits like rinsing after meals or using interdental brushes regularly can dramatically reduce staining, cavities, and delays in tooth movement.

Conclusion

Taking care of your braces is not difficult; it simply requires awareness, consistency, and a little extra time each day. With proper brushing, flossing, food choices, and regular check-ups, your braces journey becomes smoother, more comfortable, and more effective. Braces are slowly shaping your smile every single day, and how you care for them plays a direct role in the final outcome. Stay patient, follow the right habits, and your effort will reward you with a healthy, beautifully aligned smile that lasts a lifetime.

Did you know?

Studies show that implant-supported dentures improve chewing efficiency by over 50% compared to regular dentures.