Is Good Oral Hygiene Possible with Braces?

If you can’t brush after a meal due to dining out, try to rinse your mouth immediately after eating to remove food particles from your braces and teeth. Then brush thoroughly when you return home to ensure your mouth is clean.

Absolutely! Flossing plays a key role in keeping your teeth clean when you are in orthodontic treatment. It enables you to remove food and debris from between your teeth and along your gum line. We recommend our patients use Superfloss or Floss Threaders. Small interdental brushes can also help with cleaning around the nooks and crannies of your braces to keep your mouth clean.

You should still schedule biannual checkups and cleanings with your dentist to maintain good oral health during your orthodontic treatment. Brushing and flossing alone won’t eliminate all plaque from your teeth, especially when wearing braces. This can only be accomplished through professional cleanings. If your oral hygiene is not well taken care of, Drs. Vincelette and Samra may recommend cleanings every 3-4 months instead of every 6 months. 

Avoid hard, chewy, and sticky foods, as they can get stuck in your braces, damage them, or cause the braces to come loose. Sugary foods and drinks should also be avoided, as they make you more prone to cavities. We recommend eating healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy.

Poor oral care with braces can derail your orthodontic treatment by putting you at risk of severe decay, oral infections, and gum disease. Plaque accumulation on the wires and brackets could also cause your teeth to become stained or discoloured. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of good oral hygiene throughout your treatment.

Toronto, ON, residents can contact Drs. Elise Vincelette and Raman Samra, and the team at SV Orthodontics at 416-213-6646 to schedule a consultation for orthodontic braces treatment.