Teenage boy with braces smiling while brushing his teeth at the bathroom sink

Keep It Clean Caring for Your Braces

Braces have lots of little spaces where food and plaque like to hide. Taking a few extra minutes to clean your teeth keeps your smile healthy and helps avoid white spots, cavities and swollen gums.

The good news is that a simple daily routine is all it takes. At Plymouth Orthodontics, we'll show you exactly how.

Your Daily Routine A Braces Checklist

After Meals

Brush

Brush around each bracket, above and below the wire, with a soft toothbrush.

Once a Day

Floss

Use a floss threader or special floss to clean between teeth.

At Bedtime

Fluoride Rinse

A fluoride rinse helps protect and strengthen enamel.

Every Day

Quick Check

Look for loose brackets or poking wires and call us if you see one.

Teenage girl with braces using a water flosser at the bathroom sink

Helpful Tools Make Cleaning Easier

  • Interdental brush: a tiny brush that cleans under the wire and between brackets.
  • Electric toothbrush: makes thorough brushing quicker and easier.
  • Floss threader: helps guide floss under the wire.
  • Water flosser: a stream of water flushes out food around braces.

Removable Appliances Clean Those Too

  • Brush Gently

    Brush retainers and aligners with cool water every day.

  • Soak Weekly

    An occasional soak in a cleaning solution keeps them fresh.

  • Use the Case

    Keep appliances in their case whenever they're out.

Keep Seeing Your Dentist Every Six Months

Orthodontic visits don't replace your regular dental checkups. Keep seeing your family dentist about every six months for cleanings and exams, or more often if your dentist recommends it. Wondering what to eat? Visit our Food Choices page.