All About Braces Care and Oral Hygiene
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile! But it also comes with some adjustments to your daily routine. We want to make sure you feel fully prepared for life with braces, from brushing and eating to sports and soreness.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Keeping your teeth and gums clean is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Braces can trap food and plaque, so you’ll need to adjust your habits to protect your smile.
Brush after every meal, paying close attention around brackets and wires.
Floss daily using floss threaders or special orthodontic floss picks.
If you have a history of gum disease, schedule regular visits with a periodontist during treatment.
Eating with Braces
One of the first questions patients ask is: “What can I eat with braces?” The good news is you don’t have to give up all your favorite foods; just make a few smart choices.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Stay away from foods that can damage brackets and wires, including:
Chewy: bagels, licorice, hard rolls
Crunchy: popcorn, ice, chips
Sticky: gum, caramels, chewy candies
Hard: nuts, hard candies
Biting into: corn on the cob, whole apples, raw carrots
Tip: Cut harder foods into small pieces to make them safer to chew.
General Soreness & Discomfort
It’s normal to feel some soreness after braces are placed or adjusted. Here’s what to expect:
Mild soreness for 3–5 days (Tylenol or your usual pain relief helps).
Irritation on the lips, cheeks, or tongue during the first couple of weeks.
Use orthodontic wax (provided by our office) to cover areas causing discomfort.
Loosening of Teeth
Don’t worry if your teeth feel loose; that means they’re moving! This is completely normal and necessary. Once treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize into their corrected positions.
Loose Wire or Band
If a wire or band comes loose:
Try gently tucking it back with a blunt object (like the eraser of a pencil).
Place orthodontic wax or a piece of wet cotton over it to prevent irritation.
Call our office as soon as possible so we can repair it.
Rubber Band Wear
Rubber bands are a key part of many treatment plans. For the best results:
Wear them exactly as prescribed.
Replace them daily to maintain proper tension.
Remember, consistency shortens treatment time, while skipping prolongs it.
Playing Sports with Braces
Braces don’t have to keep you off the field! If you play contact sports, let us know. We’ll provide a custom protective mouthguard to keep your teeth, braces, and gums safe during games and practices.