All About Braces and Oral Hygiene

Starting orthodontic treatment is a big step, and it comes with a few adjustments to your daily routine. From brushing techniques and food choices to handling soreness and staying on track, here’s everything you need to know about life with braces.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Braces make it easier for food and plaque to hide, which is why maintaining excellent oral hygiene is more important than ever during treatment.

Tips for Keeping Your Smile Clean:

  • Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.

  • Use fluoride toothpaste to help protect your enamel.

  • Floss once a day using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers.

  • Add a water flosser to your routine for extra plaque removal.

If you have a history of gum disease, consider seeing a periodontist during treatment to monitor gum health and prevent complications.

Eating with Braces

One of the first things new patients ask is, “What can I eat with braces?” While you’ll want to avoid certain foods that can damage your brackets or wires, there are still plenty of tasty options.

Great Foods Right After Getting Braces or an Adjustment

These softer foods can help you stay comfortable as your mouth adjusts:

  • Creamy polenta or grits

  • Soft rice dishes

  • Cooked squash or zucchini

  • Applesauce

  • Cottage cheese

  • Pancakes or waffles (without crunchy toppings)

Foods to Avoid with Braces

To protect your brackets and wires, steer clear of foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy.

  • Chewy: Baguettes, beef jerky, gummy candies

  • Crunchy: Ice, kettle chips, hard taco shells

  • Sticky: Taffy, caramel popcorn, sticky granola bars

  • Hard: Nuts, jawbreakers, frozen fruit pieces

  • Biting into: Raw carrots, whole apples, corn on the cob

Smart Substitutions:

  • Cut corn off the cob

  • Slice apples or pears into thin pieces

  • Steam or roast veggies to soften them

  • Break hard foods into small, chewable bites

  • Skip chewing ice or pens to prevent breakage

Managing Soreness and Discomfort

Orthodontic studies confirm that soft gum chewing is an effective method to relieve orthodontic pain and sensitivity.  The studies show that gum chewing is as effective in reducing orthodontic pain as taking Tylenol or Advil.  Begin chewing gum immediately after your orthodontic appointment, prior to feeling any pain.

Some mild discomfort is completely normal when you first get braces or after adjustments.

  • Sore or tender teeth for 3–5 days

  • Irritation on the cheeks, lips, or tongue for 1–2 weeks

Use over-the-counter pain relievers (like Tylenol) and apply orthodontic wax over brackets or wires that cause irritation. We’ll provide wax at your appointment and show you how to use it.

Tooth Movement and Feeling “Loose”

Your teeth may feel slightly loose throughout treatment, but that’s a good sign! Movement is necessary for them to shift into their ideal positions. Once treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize and feel secure again.

What to Do If a Wire or Bracket Comes Loose

If a wire or band becomes loose or starts to poke:

  • Use a pencil eraser to gently push it back into place.

  • Apply orthodontic wax or a small piece of damp cotton to reduce irritation.

  • Call our office as soon as possible so we can make any needed repairs.

Avoid making major adjustments at home unless instructed by your Dr. Frederick Sacramone.

Wearing Rubber Bands (Elastics)

Elastics play a key role in correcting jaw alignment. To get the best results:

  • Wear them exactly as prescribed

  • Change them regularly to maintain proper tension

  • Let us know if you run out—we’re happy to give you more

Skipping elastics or wearing them inconsistently can delay your treatment.

Playing Sports with Mouthguards

If you’re involved in sports, especially contact sports like basketball, soccer, or hockey, let us know. We’ll provide a custom-fit mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces during games and practices.