Short answer: With fixed braces, food debris and plaque build up more easily around the brackets. It is therefore recommended to clean above, below and along the gumline of the brackets with a soft toothbrush after every meal, to reach between the teeth at least once a day with an interdental brush or floss, and to avoid hard and sticky foods. A water flosser can be a helpful addition, but it does not replace brushing.
Why is cleaning more important with fixed braces?
Brackets and wires create surfaces where plaque can collect. If cleaning is inadequate, white marks, tooth decay and gum inflammation can develop. These marks may remain visible permanently once the braces are removed. If gum health deteriorates, the treatment plan can also be affected.
Brushing correctly
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, preferably one with an orthodontic head
- First hold the brush above the brackets, angled at 45 degrees towards the gumline, and move it in small circles
- Then angle the brush under the brackets to clean the lower areas
- Do not forget the inner and biting surfaces of the teeth
- Spend enough time on each area, aiming for at least two minutes in total
- Use a fluoride toothpaste; the amount is determined by your dentist's advice
An electric toothbrush can also be used; what matters is that the brush head reaches around the brackets.
Interdental brushes and floss
- Interdental brush: Cleans debris between the wire and the tooth and in the spaces between teeth. Its size should be chosen according to the width of the gap
- Floss: Orthodontic floss that can be threaded under the wires, or floss threaders, can be used
- Frequency: At least once a day, ideally before the evening brushing
Water flosser (oral irrigator)
Pressurised water can help remove loose debris around the brackets. However, it may not remove plaque that has stuck on by itself. It is therefore more appropriate to use it on a low-pressure setting in addition to brushing and interdental cleaning. Ask your dentist for detailed guidance on its use.
Diet
- To avoid: Hard nuts, ice, hard-shelled foods, sticky sweets and chewing gum can cause brackets to come off or lead to decay
- To eat with care: Hard fruit and vegetables such as apples and carrots should be cut into small pieces
- To limit: Sugary and acidic drinks; if you do have them, use a straw and drink them quickly
- Habits: Avoid chewing nails, pens or ice
Come to your appointments regularly
At check-ups, the dentist assesses both tooth movement and hygiene. If you have problems such as a broken bracket or wire, a poking wire or a sore, you can look at the advice on our orthodontic emergencies page and request an appointment. To prevent your teeth from shifting after the braces come off, you can also read our article on the state of your teeth after braces are removed. For cleaning other appliances, take a look at our guide to cleaning and caring for orthodontic appliances.
A suggested daily routine
- Morning: Brush after breakfast, with a fluoride mouthwash if needed
- During the day: When out, rinse with water after eating and, if possible, use a portable toothbrush
- Evening: First an interdental brush or floss, then thorough brushing; if you use a water flosser, finish by rinsing with it
- Weekly: Check the condition of the brackets and gums in the mirror
Poking wires and sores
Irritation may appear inside the cheeks and lips in the first days. Placing orthodontic wax over the sharp parts of a bracket or wire gives temporary relief. If a sore lasts a long time or a wire has broken, your dentist should be told; you should not cut the wire yourself.
A short list of care supplies
- A soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Interdental brushes in different sizes
- Orthodontic floss or floss threaders
- Orthodontic wax
- A water flosser, if you wish
All of these make hygiene easier throughout treatment. If you are unsure about how to use a product, you can ask your dentist or the clinic team at your check-up appointment.
Professional cleaning and fluoride
During the fixed braces period, scaling and, when needed, fluoride application complement home care. How often cleaning is needed is determined by the dentist according to the person's level of hygiene and gum condition. Because the risk of decay can increase during orthodontic treatment, check-ups with your general dentist should not be neglected either.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use mouthwash with fixed braces?
Fluoride mouthwashes can help protect against decay, but they do not replace brushing and interdental cleaning. How to use them is determined by your dentist's advice.
What should be done if white marks appear around the brackets?
These marks usually point to mineral loss on the enamel surface as a result of plaque build-up. Let your dentist know; your hygiene routine will be reviewed and protective measures may be suggested if needed.
Is gum bleeding normal?
Slight bleeding can occur in the first period after the braces are fitted, but if it continues it may be a sign of gum inflammation. Cleaning should be increased and you should see your dentist.
How can you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined through an examination and the dentist's assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we discuss your questions with you during the first orthodontic examination.
