How to Maintain Excellent Dental Hygiene While Wearing Braces #orthodontist #clearaligner #teethalignment Maintaining oral hygiene becomes especially important during braces treatment because brackets and wires create more places for plaque and food to get trapped. With the right habits, you can keep your teeth healthy and ensure smooth orthodontic progress. Here’s a detailed guide: 1. Brush After Every Meal Braces collect food easily, so brushing after each meal helps prevent plaque buildup. Use a soft-bristle or orthodontic toothbrush and take your time cleaning every surface of your teeth. 2. Angle Your Toothbrush Correctly Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the brackets and then toward the gumline. This helps you clean above, below, and around wires where debris tends to hide. 3. Use Fluoride Toothpaste Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities—something especially important during orthodontic treatment. Brush for at least two full minutes. 4. Floss Daily Traditional flossing can be tricky with braces, but floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks make it easier to slide floss under the wires. Daily flossing removes plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. 5. Add an Interdental Brush These small, cone-shaped brushes fit between brackets and under wires. Use them to dislodge trapped food and clean tight spaces. 6. Rinse With a Fluoride Mouthwash A daily fluoride rinse helps kill bacteria and strengthens enamel. Choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid irritation. 7. Avoid Problematic Foods Sticky foods like caramel or gum can get stuck in brackets, while hard foods like nuts or popcorn can bend wires or break brackets. Sugary snacks increase cavity risk, so limit them. 8. Drink More Water Sipping water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and reduces acidity in the mouth. 9. Check Your Braces and Mouth Daily Look for trapped food, irritated areas, or loose brackets and wires. Early detection prevents discomfort and treatment delays. 10. Don’t Skip Orthodontic and Dental Visits Regular orthodontic adjustments keep your treatment on track, and professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t eliminate. By following these steps consistently, you’ll protect your teeth, avoid complications, and ensure a healthier, smoother braces journey.