Braces are a great step forward, but they definitely make your daily routine a little more involved. You have to stay on top of things, especially when it comes to keeping your teeth clean. Dr. Kary Marris and our family-friendly team at Marris Orthodontics can work with you to help make that part easier with helpful tips and guidance. When you’re in braces, good hygiene is what keeps everything moving the way it’s supposed to.
All you need is a system that works, and our Orlando office can help you succeed with your braces.
Brush Like You Mean It
Brushing your teeth in braces is different than brushing without them. There are more edges, angles, and tiny spaces where food and plaque can get stuck, and if you’re not brushing thoroughly, it adds up fast.
Start with a soft-bristled brush or an electric one on a gentle setting. Angle it toward your gums, then angle it downward from the wire. Move in small circles, not quick swipes. That’s what actually loosens the buildup. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces and the backs of your teeth because those matter just as much.
One of the major hygiene tips for braces is to get an interdental brush (the tiny one that looks like a pipe cleaner) can help with tight areas around your brackets. Add a fluoride rinse at night for extra protection, especially if your gums are feeling a little sensitive or you’ve had some spotting on your enamel in the past.
Flossing Still Matters, Even If It’s A Hassle
You might not love flossing with braces, but it makes a difference. Thankfully, there are more options now than just threading regular floss through every wire. Here’s what works best:
- Floss threaders – A simple tool that lets you slide floss under the wire, one section at a time
- Oral irrigators – Water flossers like the Waterpik can flush out food and bacteria
- Pre-threaded ortho flossers – Easy to grab, quick to use, and better than skipping it altogether
Once a day is the goal. If you only floss once, make it at night so your teeth stay clean while you sleep. That’s when your mouth is the driest and bacteria have the most time to stick around.
Watch What You Eat: It Does Affect Your Teeth
Braces are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. Certain foods risk popping off a bracket and also make it harder to keep your mouth clean. If food gets stuck too long or starts breaking things, you’ll end up back in the chair more than you want. Let’s keep it simple:
Sticky foods
- Caramels
- Gummy candy
- Chewy protein bars
Hard foods
- Popcorn
- Raw carrots
- Ice
- Crusty bread
Sugary or acidic drinks
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Lemonade
- Sweetened teas
You don’t have to give everything up. Just think ahead. If you’re grabbing a snack before theater practice at Magic Curtain Productions or hanging out with friends near Waterford Lakes Town Center, pick something you won’t regret later. Your brackets and your gums will thank you.
Don’t Skip Cleanings While You’re In Braces
Even though your orthodontist checks your teeth regularly, your dentist still needs to be part of the picture. Cleanings every six months (or more if your dentist recommends it) help prevent tartar buildup and gum problems that are harder to see when you’re wearing braces. Not to mention, if they notice something could be done better, they will give you some extra hygiene tips for braces you can utilize.
This is especially true for kids and teens still figuring out their routine, whether they’re brushing after lunch at Sunrise Elementary or trying to squeeze in flossing between after-school stuff at Timber Springs or East River High.
If your dentist spots anything early, like inflammation, decalcification, or a cavity starting near a bracket, Dr. Marris and the team at Marris Orthodontics will work with them to make sure it’s handled without disrupting your progress.
Keep an Eye on Trouble Spots
It’s normal to feel a little soreness when you first get your braces on or after an adjustment. However, if you notice consistent irritation in the same spot, especially around your gums, it could be a sign of inflammation. That usually means bacteria are building up where your brush isn’t reaching well enough. When plaque sits too long, your gums react by swelling and becoming more sensitive. Left alone, it can lead to gingivitis or even slow your tooth movement.
Watch for red, puffy areas or spots that bleed easily when flossing. If something doesn’t feel right, say something. Dr. Marris and the team can take a closer look and show you exactly how to clean the area better, or make an adjustment if that’s what’s needed.
Do You Need Help Staying on Track?
If something feels off or you’re not sure you’re cleaning the right way, ask. Dr. Kary Marris will walk you through exactly what to do and show you how to make it easier without overthinking it. Let them know if you need any other hygiene tips for braces.
You can always reach out to Marris Orthodontics in Orlando for support. Have a quick question, need help with your routine, or want to schedule an appointment? The team is here to help you keep things moving in the right direction. The office is located in the same parking lot as Star Child Academy, just behind Waterford Lakes Town Center.
