How to Keep Your Smile Healthy During Orthodontic Treatment
At Elm Tree Orthodontics, we understand that starting your braces journey can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. As your smile transforms, it’s essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene to ensure the best possible results. Dr. Shamik Desai, our Board Certified Orthodontist, emphasizes that consistent and effective brushing is one of the most important parts of your treatment plan.
When you wear braces, food particles and plaque have more places to hide. Without proper brushing, you can develop cavities, gum disease, or unsightly white spots on your teeth. But don’t worry—we’re here to help! Below, we share expert brushing tips specifically for braces patients, so you can protect your oral health while working toward a beautiful, confident smile.
And remember—Elm Tree Orthodontics proudly serves patients from Hamden, North Haven, and surrounding Connecticut communities. With two convenient locations, we make it easy for you to stay on track with your orthodontic care.
1. Brush After Every Meal
With braces, it’s no longer enough to brush just twice a day. Dr. Desai recommends brushing after every meal and snack. Food can easily become trapped in brackets and wires, leading to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can clean your teeth even when you’re on the go. If you’re unable to brush right away, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to dislodge any trapped food.
2. Use the Right Tools
Regular toothbrushes can get the job done, but there are specific tools that can make brushing with braces more effective and comfortable:
- Orthodontic toothbrush: These brushes have a V-shaped bristle pattern designed to clean around brackets and wires.
- Electric toothbrush: A high-quality electric toothbrush can provide more consistent pressure and motion, helping to remove plaque more effectively.
- Interdental brushes (proxy brushes): These small, cone-shaped brushes can get between brackets and under wires where a normal brush can’t reach.
- Fluoride toothpaste: Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities during treatment.
Dr. Desai often recommends these tools to our Elm Tree Orthodontics patients and can provide guidance on how to use them properly during your appointments.
3. Perfect Your Brushing Technique
Brushing with braces requires a little extra effort and attention to detail. Follow these steps to make sure your brushing is thorough:
- Start with rinsing: Swish water around your mouth to loosen any debris stuck around your braces.
- Angle your toothbrush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle above the brackets and brush in small circular motions. Then angle the brush below the brackets and repeat.
- Brush each tooth individually: Spend about 10 seconds brushing each tooth, making sure to clean above, below, and around the brackets.
- Don’t forget the gumline: Plaque can easily build up where the teeth meet the gums. Gently brush along the gumline to keep it healthy.
- Brush the chewing surfaces and the back of your teeth: These areas can’t be neglected, even if they don’t have brackets.
Brush for at least two minutes each time, and don’t rush—taking your time now can save you from problems later.
4. Flossing is Still Important
Yes, you can and should floss with braces! It’s more time-consuming, but flossing is crucial to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.
Here are some flossing tools to consider:
- Floss threaders: These help you thread floss behind each wire so you can clean between your teeth.
- Orthodontic floss: Pre-cut floss with stiff ends and spongy sections designed for braces.
- Water flossers: Devices like the Waterpik use a stream of water to dislodge debris and clean between teeth. While they shouldn’t replace traditional flossing entirely, they’re a great supplement—especially for hard-to-reach spots.
5. Be Gentle, But Thorough
While it’s important to clean thoroughly, don’t be too aggressive. Brushing too hard can damage your enamel and irritate your gums. Dr. Desai advises our patients to use gentle pressure and soft-bristled brushes. If your gums bleed slightly at first, don’t panic—this can happen if plaque has built up. However, if bleeding continues after a week or more of improved hygiene, let us know.
6. Use a Fluoride Mouthwash
To add an extra layer of protection, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash daily. This helps reduce the risk of cavities and white spots, and it can reach places your brush and floss might miss. Look for a mouthwash that’s alcohol-free to avoid drying out your mouth, and swish for the full 60 seconds for maximum effectiveness.
7. Watch What You Eat
Good brushing starts with smart eating. Sticky, sugary, and starchy foods are more likely to get stuck in braces and cause plaque buildup. Avoid chewing gum, caramel, hard candy, and popcorn. Focus on braces-friendly foods like soft fruits, yogurt, pasta, and steamed vegetables.
And remember, no matter how good your brushing habits are, a poor diet can still harm your teeth.
8. Keep Up With Regular Checkups
Alongside your orthodontic appointments at Elm Tree Orthodontics, don’t forget to visit your general dentist for cleanings and exams every six months—or more often if recommended. Dr. Desai works closely with general dentists to monitor oral health during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can give your teeth a deep clean and catch any issues early before they become bigger problems.
9. Be Consistent
Consistency is key. Brushing once in a while won’t keep your teeth clean, especially with braces. Make it part of your daily routine—just like washing your face or tying your shoes. Keeping your toothbrush and supplies easily accessible can serve as a helpful reminder.
Dr. Desai encourages patients to build good habits early in treatment, as this sets the foundation for a healthier smile when the braces come off.
10. Ask Us for Help
If you’re unsure whether you’re brushing correctly, don’t hesitate to ask! At Elm Tree Orthodontics, we love helping our patients learn how to care for their smiles. Dr. Desai and our team can demonstrate brushing techniques, recommend products, and give you personalized tips at your regular adjustment visits.
Convenient Locations to Serve You Better
Elm Tree Orthodontics proudly serves families in Hamden and North Haven, Connecticut, making it easy to access expert orthodontic care no matter where you live in the area. Our friendly team is committed to making every visit comfortable, informative, and productive—from your first consultation to the day your braces come off.
Final Thoughts
Braces are a big investment in your smile, and taking care of your teeth during treatment is just as important as wearing your appliances properly. With the right tools, techniques, and support from your orthodontic team, you can keep your teeth healthy and your smile shining bright throughout your journey.
At Elm Tree Orthodontics, Dr. Shamik Desai is dedicated to helping every patient achieve the best results possible—and that starts with excellent at-home care. If you have questions or want a personalized brushing routine, contact our office today. We’re always here to support your smile!
Ready to improve your brushing routine or schedule your next appointment? Call Elm Tree Orthodontics at (203)281-1022 or book online at https://elmtreeorthodontics.com/free-consult/
Visit us in Hamden or North Haven, CT—we can’t wait to see you smile!