Overview
Braces create extra spaces where food and plaque can collect. Good cleaning protects against white spots, cavities, gum swelling, and bad breath during treatment. Broken brackets or poking wires should be managed safely until the orthodontist repairs them.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Brushing around brackets takes more time than regular brushing.
- ✓Interdental brushes or water flossers can help clean under wires.
- ✓Sticky and hard foods can break brackets.
- ✓Poking wires can be covered with orthodontic wax temporarily.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Brush after meals or rinse well if brushing is not possible.
- 2Use interdental brushes around brackets and under wires.
- 3Avoid sticky sweets, hard nuts, ice, and biting directly into hard foods.
- 4Carry orthodontic wax for wire irritation.
When To Book A Dentist
- !A wire is poking and cannot be made comfortable with wax.
- !A bracket, band, or appliance is loose.
- !Gums are swollen or bleed despite cleaning.
- !White spots or cavities appear around brackets.