How to look after your teeth while wearing braces

Braces create extra places for plaque and food to collect. Keeping them clean helps reduce the risk of tooth decay, white marks around brackets and inflamed gums while your teeth are moving.

The right routine depends on your appliance. Follow the instructions from your orthodontic team, and ask them to demonstrate anything that is difficult to reach. You should also continue seeing your usual dentist during treatment.

Cleaning around fixed braces

A small, soft toothbrush can help you reach around brackets and along the gumline. A manual or electric brush can be suitable: an ordinary manual toothbrush does not automatically damage braces. A brush designed for orthodontic use is an option, not a requirement for everyone.

Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed, and clean after meals as advised by your orthodontic team. Work systematically around each tooth, above and below the brackets, and over the inside and biting surfaces. Spit out the toothpaste without rinsing with water afterwards.

Use an appropriately sized interdental brush to clean beneath the wire and between teeth where it fits. Do not force it into a tight space. Your team can recommend floss threaders or other aids for areas a small brush cannot reach.

Caring for a removable appliance

Clear aligners, removable braces and retainers have different wearing instructions. Ask when yours should be taken out for eating, drinking, cleaning and sport, and how long to wear it each day. Do not apply another person’s instructions to your appliance or shorten the wearing time yourself.

Clean it gently using the method and product recommended for its material. Some appliances need a soft brush and mild soap or a dedicated cleaner; abrasive toothpaste can scratch them. Avoid hot water, which can distort the shape. Clean your own teeth as well as the appliance.

When the appliance is out of your mouth, keep it in its protective case as instructed. Wrapping it in a tissue makes it easy to throw away accidentally. Contact the orthodontic team if it breaks, is lost or no longer fits; do not bend wires or attempt a home repair.

Eating without damaging your braces

Hard or sticky foods can break brackets or bend wires. Cut firm foods such as apples and carrots into manageable pieces rather than biting into them whole. Avoid chewing ice, pens or other hard objects.

Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals. Frequent acidic drinks can also damage teeth. You do not need to give up a varied diet, but you may need to change how you prepare some foods.

Extra products and sore areas

Fluoride toothpaste remains the basis of brushing. Your dentist may recommend additional fluoride protection if your decay risk is high. Use prescribed products as directed. If a mouthwash is recommended, use it at a different time from brushing.

Orthodontic wax may help cover a bracket that rubs. Persistent soreness, a sharp wire or a loose bracket needs advice from the team rather than repeated attempts to put up with it.

Keep your appointments

Orthodontic appointments check the appliance and tooth movement; routine dental checks assess the wider health of your mouth. Both matter. Report worsening gum swelling or pain that persists beyond the first few days after fitting or adjustment.

For advice or an appointment, contact our team. If you are considering treatment and want to discuss payment, see the current finance information. Finance is subject to eligibility, status and affordability checks; the available terms depend on the agreement.