Let’s be real for a second. Most people with braces aren’t taking proper care of their teeth. That’s usually because oral care with braces is tricky. Not only do you need to brush and floss your teeth like you did before getting braces, but now there’s a ton of stuff in the way. It makes the whole process more frustrating and time-consuming.
With brackets and wires creating new hiding spots for plaque and food debris, a solid oral hygiene routine is essential to prevent cavities, bad breath, and gum inflammation. The reality is, if you don’t make the extra effort to properly care for your teeth with braces, then you’ll have a lot of issues to deal with when your braces come off. Braces are a great investment in your smile, but you’ll have to level up your nightly routine if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you're looking for the best way to care for your braces, let us walk you through the essential steps to keep your teeth clean, healthy, and free from common orthodontic issues.
1. Brush After Every Meal
With braces, food can get trapped in places you never expected. Brushing at least twice a day is essential, but if possible, brushing after each meal is even better.
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Use a soft-bristled electric toothbrush to avoid damaging your braces.
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Angle your brush at 45 degrees to clean above and below the brackets.
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Brush for two full minutes, making sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth.
2. Flossing is a Must—Every Single Day
Flossing with braces can feel like a challenge, but it’s the most effective way to remove plaque between teeth and around brackets. Skipping it increases the risk of cavities, tartar buildup, and gum disease.
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Use orthodontic floss or a floss threader to navigate around wires.
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Move the floss gently between each tooth, making sure to reach below the gumline.
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Consider an electric flosser designed for braces (more on that below).
3. Add an Interdental Brush to Your Routine
Interdental brushes (also called proxy brushes) help clean areas your toothbrush and floss might miss. They’re especially useful for cleaning around brackets and under wires. If you’re struggling with larger debris getting stuck in your brackets, an interdental brush can be a really helpful companion tool!
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Insert the brush between brackets and wires to dislodge trapped food.
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Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean without damaging your braces.
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Keep one in your bag for quick cleanups throughout the day.
4. Stick to a Braces-Friendly Diet
When sugar is left on your teeth, it mixes with the bad bacteria in your mouth to create acid that eats away at your enamel. Because it’s so difficult to clean every corner of your teeth with braces, eating braces-friendly foods can help lessen your chance of cavities and tooth decay. Making smart food choices helps protect your brackets and keeps your teeth healthy.
Foods to Avoid
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Sticky foods (caramel, gum, chewy candy)
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Hard foods (nuts, popcorn, ice cubes)
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Sugary drinks (soda, sports drinks, energy drinks)
Braces-Friendly Foods
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Soft fruits (bananas, berries, oranges)
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Cooked vegetables (steamed carrots, mashed potatoes)
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Dairy products (cheese, yogurt, milk)
5. Rinse With Water or a Braces-Safe Mouthwash
Swishing water or a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash helps remove bacteria and food particles from tight spaces in your braces.
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Rinse after meals if brushing isn’t possible.
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Choose a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel.
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Swish for 30 to 60 seconds before spitting.
6. Protect Your Braces When Playing Sports
If you’re active in sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can help prevent damage to your braces and teeth in case of impact.
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Ask your orthodontist about a custom-fit mouthguard or pick up a boil-and-bite style from a pharmacy.
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Never play contact sports without protecting your teeth.
7. Don’t Skip Your Orthodontic Appointments
Your orthodontist needs to check on your progress, tighten wires, and make sure your braces are doing their job without causing unnecessary issues.
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Keep up with scheduled visits to ensure your treatment stays on track.
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If a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose, call for an appointment right away.
Why the Slate Flosser is a Game-Changer for Braces
Traditional flossing can be time-consuming and frustrating with braces, but the Slate Flosser makes it easier, faster, and more effective. Here’s why:
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Designed for Both Braces & Regular Flossing – Unlike many flossers that struggle with orthodontics, Slate was built to work seamlessly around brackets and wires, making flossing simple.
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Bracket Sweeps – Our bracket sweeps are designed to gently clean the sides of your brackets while you’re flossing your teeth.
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Chemical-Free Woven Floss – Unlike many floss options that contain PTFE (found in nonstick coatings), Slate’s floss is completely chemical-free for a safer clean.
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Multi-Use Floss Heads – Instead of struggling with single-use floss picks, Slate’s reusable floss heads last for a full week, making it more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
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14,000 Sonic Vibrations Per Minute – The Slate Flosser uses gentle sonic vibrations to break up plaque, giving you a deeper clean without damaging your braces.
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USB-C Charging for Convenience – No bulky charging bases—just fast and easy USB-C charging that keeps up with your lifestyle.
Braces don’t have to make oral care harder. With the right tools, like the Slate Flosser, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic journey without the frustration of traditional flossing.
Upgrade your braces care routine with the Slate Flosser today and make flossing effortless!