All About Braces Care and Oral Hygiene
Braces are an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile, but they also require some extra care. Dr. Mark Musgrave and our team are here to help you keep your teeth clean, your braces protected, and your treatment on track.
Here’s what you need to know to make your orthodontic journey smooth and successful.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
When you have braces, good oral hygiene is more important than ever. Food and plaque can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and staining.
To keep your smile healthy:
Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush.
Angle the brush toward your brackets to clean thoroughly around them.
Use a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser to remove plaque between teeth and under wires.
Rinse daily with a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel.
Patients who struggle to keep teeth clean may need more frequent professional cleanings. Adults with a history of gum disease should also see their periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
Tip: Our team will show you the best techniques to keep your smile fresh and clean with braces!
Eating with Braces
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What can I eat with braces?”
Right after your braces are placed, or after adjustments, your teeth may feel tender for a few days. Stick to soft foods like soups, pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies.
Once you’re used to your braces, you can enjoy most of your usual meals, but some foods need to be avoided to prevent damage to your appliances.
Foods to Avoid
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods: caramels, taffy, gum
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
- Foods you bite into: corn on the cob, whole apples, raw carrots
Also, avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails. Broken brackets or bent wires can delay your progress and require extra appointments.
Managing Discomfort
General Soreness
After getting your braces, it’s normal to feel mild soreness for a few days. Your teeth may be tender, and your lips or cheeks might feel irritated until they adjust to the brackets.
Take Tylenol or your usual over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
Use orthodontic wax on any areas where braces rub against your cheeks or lips.
Rinsing with warm salt water can also help relieve discomfort.
Within a week or two, your mouth will adjust, and the tenderness should fade.
Tooth Movement and Looseness
Feeling your teeth become slightly loose can be unsettling, but don’t worry! It’s a normal and necessary part of treatment.
Your teeth need to loosen slightly so they can move into their new, aligned positions. Once your braces are removed, they’ll stabilize and feel firm again.
What to Do If a Wire or Bracket Comes Loose
Occasionally, a wire or band may come loose. If this happens:
Don’t panic, it’s usually not an emergency.
If the wire is poking you, gently push it back into place using a clean pencil eraser.
Cover any sharp edges with orthodontic wax or a piece of wet cotton.
Call our office as soon as possible so we can schedule a repair appointment.
Avoid using scissors or attempting to cut the wire yourself.
Rubber Bands and Appliance Wear
Your orthodontic treatment is a team effort!
Wearing your rubber bands or other prescribed appliances as directed is crucial to achieving your best result.
If you skip days or forget to wear your rubber bands, your treatment time may increase. Consistency is key, follow Dr. Mark Musgrave’s instructions closely to keep your smile progress on track.
Playing Sports with Braces
If you play sports, especially contact sports, please let us know! We’ll provide a custom mouthguard designed to protect both your braces and your smile.
Always wear your mouthguard during practices and games. If you ever experience an injury to your mouth or teeth, contact our office immediately.
Keep Your Smile Healthy and Strong
Taking great care of your braces means faster treatment and better results. Musgrave Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way with personalized advice, hygiene tips, and support throughout your orthodontic journey.
Have questions or need help managing your braces? Contact our office anytime, we’re always happy to help!
