You already know that maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it’s even more critical when you’re having orthodontic treatment. While braces and Invisalign are great for correcting misaligned teeth, they’re also good at trapping food particles.
Food that gets stuck on your teeth can lead to plaque buildup — a thin coating of microorganisms and debris containing potentially harmful bacteria.
These bacteria digest sugar and create acid that can erode teeth and irritate gums, causing cavities, white spots on teeth, gum disease, and bad breath. Unfortunately, braces or other appliances make plaque even harder to remove.
Keeping plaque under control is one of the best ways to have strong, healthy teeth and gums. There are three main ways to do it: through diet, hygiene, and dental care. All together, they are your mouth’s best defense.
Avoid foods that increase plaque buildup or could loosen, bend, or damage your orthodontic appliances.
Brush, floss, clean around brackets, and care for your retainers consistently throughout treatment.
Regular dental examinations and cleanings remain essential while your orthodontist improves your smile.
Open each section for complete guidance on food, cleaning techniques, professional care, and treatment support.
To protect your teeth and oral appliances, you’ll want to avoid foods that could increase your risk of developing tooth decay. That means cutting down or eliminating as many sugary foods as you can.
Hard or very sticky foods can also physically damage your orthodontic appliance. Broken braces or retainers won’t be able to straighten your teeth!
Especially while you have an orthodontic appliance, you should steer clear of foods like:
We still encourage you to eat healthy foods like carrots and apples. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces first. And don’t chew on ice, pencils, or your nails: these habits can damage your appliances and even chip your teeth!
Brushing and flossing will keep your smile healthy during orthodontic treatment . That said, it can be tricky to clean your teeth around an appliance’s brackets and wires. Here are some quick tips to make it easier:
If you need help with your technique, don’t hesitate to ask our team!
Even though you’re seeing an orthodontist, you should still be sure to see your dentist regularly. It’s just as important as ever! While orthodontists focus on improving your bite and alignment, your dentist will keep your teeth healthy with examinations, cleanings, and preventive care.
Your treatment is a team effort, and everyone — our office, you, and your family dentist — has an important role. We all share the same goal: giving you a winning smile.
At Bigfoot Orthodontics, we’ve been committed to providing exceptional orthodontic care in the Willamette Valley since 1996. Under the leadership of Dr. Bryan Johnson, a board-certified orthodontist, our practice combines years of expertise with a friendly, patient-centered approach. With four convenient locations in Salem, Stayton, Silverton, and Woodburn, we make it easy to get the care you need.
A soft-bristle or bi-level toothbrush works best for cleaning around braces or aligners. Bi-level brushes have longer bristles on the edges to help reach tricky spots. You can also use an electric toothbrush on a moderate setting to help remove plaque successfully.
Absolutely. Antibacterial mouthwash can reduce plaque and bacteria in areas that are harder to reach with brushing alone. A fluoride rinse may also be recommended to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
To prevent white spots, make sure to brush thoroughly twice a day, floss daily, and use an interdental brush to clean around brackets and wires. Using fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride rinse can also help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decalcification, which causes white spots.
It’s recommended to schedule professional cleanings with your dentist every six months during orthodontic treatment. Regular cleanings remove plaque buildup and maintain healthy teeth and gums, even while you’re wearing braces or aligners.
Ready to change your life forever?
Your first visit is the first step on a journey towards a beautiful new smile — and if you’re ready to get started, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to contact us today with any questions or schedule a consultation online at one of our orthodontic offices. We look forward to helping you achieve a gorgeous new smile through world-class orthodontic treatment.
Salem · Silverton · Stayton · Woodburn
