Wearing braces: How to take care of your teeth

Wearing braces can be a big adjustment, especially when you’re in your tween or teen years.

As well as looking after your braces, it’s important to look after the teeth underneath them.

“Orthodontists are specialists, but they won’t necessarily check your teeth for general dental health like your regular dentist,” says Head Dentist at Bupa, Dr Cathryn Madden. “It’s important to maintain regular visits with your dentist so they can keep an eye out for any early signs of decay and help you maintain good oral health.”

Here’s how you can take care of your teeth if you wear braces.

You don’t need any special gadgets to brush your teeth when you wear braces, but you do need to keep a close eye on your toothbrush.

“Bristles will wear out more quickly because of the contact against metal used in fixed braces,” says Dr Madden. “When bristles are worn and spread out, your teeth become harder to brush.”

“Teeth are harder to brush when you wear braces, simply because there are obstacles on each tooth,” says Dr Madden.

“Using a slightly different technique from normal can help. Firstly, you need to look in the mirror when you’re brushing your teeth. Then you need to brush above and below the wires so you’ve cleaned the whole tooth. Then brush gently along the gum line.”

You can continue to use your normal toothpaste, as long as it contains fluoride.

“Fixed braces are bonded to your teeth, so you are a bit more at risk of decay if your diet isn’t 100% sugar-free,” says Dr Madden. “A fluoride toothpaste can help prevent this.” 

You’ll also need to brush your teeth more often. “Food can get stuck in braces, so if possible you should brush after every meal,” she adds. “That might mean taking a toothbrush to school. If you can’t brush after every meal, you should at least rinse your mouth with water.”

Flossing is really important when you wear braces. However, fixed braces mean the floss can’t get in-between your teeth properly, so you’ll need to try an alternative.

“Interdental brushes are tiny little brushes which go between your teeth and can be used with braces,” says Dr Madden. “They’re a great alternative to dental floss.”

Sweets and lollies are discouraged by dentists anyway, but even more so when you have braces. “Hard, sticky sweets or chewing gum can all stick to braces and increase the likelihood of decay,” says Dr Madden. 

It can also be a good idea to cut up crunchy foods such as apples and carrots. “Some people find it difficult to open wide when they have braces on their teeth. Chopping up food can be a sensible step.”

You should clean your removable retainer twice a day, or after you’ve eaten.

“Take it out of your mouth to clean it. If there’s anything stuck to it, remove it. Then clean it with toothpaste using your normal toothbrush,” says Dr Madden. “There’s no need to soak a retainer.”

It’s worth getting a case for your retainer, too. “If a retainer isn’t in your mouth, it should be in the case, and vice versa,” says Dr Madden. “This stops it getting lost. It can also remind people to wear it. If you keep a retainer out of your mouth for a period of time, your teeth can move very quickly.”

“If you play a sport that usually needs a mouthguard, you still need a mouthguard if you wear braces,” says Dr Madden. “Your dentist can make a mouthguard that fits over your braces for a more accurate fit, or you can buy them over the counter.”