Advice · Cleaning
How to keep your teeth clean with fixed braces
Why cleaning matters more than usual
Brackets and the wire create lots of new places where food and plaque collect. If plaque isn't removed, white spots (early decay) form around the brackets and stay visible after the braces come off, and the gums become inflamed and bleed. Good cleaning protects your teeth — and speeds up treatment.
What you need
- Orthodontic toothbrush — V-shaped bristles wrap around the bracket
- Interdental brushes — for the space under the wire and between brackets
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Floss with a stiff end (superfloss) for between the teeth
- Orthodontic wax — if a bracket or the wire rubs
- Optional: a water flosser
Brushing step by step
- Rinse your mouth with water to remove larger bits of food.
- Place the brush above the brackets, angled towards the gum, and brush with small circular movements.
- Then place the brush below the brackets, angled towards the wire.
- Pass the interdental brush under the wire between every two brackets.
- Brush the inner and biting surfaces of all teeth.
- Check in the mirror: the brackets should be clean and shiny, with no white plaque along the edge.
Food and drink
Avoid: walnuts, hazelnuts, hard sweets, toffee, chewing gum, popcorn, ice. Cut hard fruit and vegetables into pieces. Sugary and fizzy drinks between meals are the biggest enemy — if you drink them, have them with a meal and rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
When to contact the orthodontist
If your gums bleed for more than a few days, if you see white spots around the brackets, or if a bracket has come off — send us a message. At every check-up we also look at your cleaning and give advice.