Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. A complete guide to brushing, diet, and prevention.
50% of orthodontic patients develop at least one white spot of decalcification, compared to only 11% without braces.
These spots appear around brackets when plaque builds up and bacterial acids remove calcium from the enamel.
With diligent hygiene, these spots are 100% preventable! Brushing after every meal is the key.
Brush your teeth after EVERY meal and snack — not just morning and night!
First rinse with water to dislodge food debris.
Place the brush at a 45° angle to the gums, with bristles aimed toward the gum line.
Gentle circular motions. Above AND below each bracket.
Clean around each bracket and under the wires with an interdental brush.
Don't forget the back of your teeth, your tongue, and the spaces between your teeth.
V-shaped bristles specially designed to clean around brackets. After every meal. Replace every 3 months.
Essential for cleaning around brackets and under wires. At least once a day.
Reaches hard-to-access areas. An ideal complement to brushing. Once a day.
Waxed floss or Superfloss to pass between teeth despite the wires. Once a day.
Extra enamel protection. 30 seconds before bedtime, without rinsing afterwards.
Choose a toothpaste containing 1000-1500 ppm fluoride to strengthen enamel.
Can break brackets or bend wires:
Nuts, almonds, pistachios • Ice, ice cubes • Hard candy, croutons • Popcorn (unpopped kernels) • Uncut raw apples and carrots
Can loosen brackets:
Caramel, toffee, licorice • Chewing gum • Soft candy (Skittles, Starburst) • Sticky dried fruit
Attack the enamel and promote decalcification:
Sodas (even diet), citrus juice • Energy drinks • Sweetened tea and coffee
Tender meats, chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes.
Bananas, grapes, berries. Cooked vegetables. Apples and carrots cut into small pieces.
Milk, yogurt, cheese. Ice cream (without nuts).
Soft bread, pasta, rice. Pancakes, waffles. Softened cereal.
Soft chocolate (without nuts or caramel). Cakes, muffins, pudding.
No excuses! Keep a toothbrush at work or at school.
Fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.
30 seconds before bedtime, without rinsing afterwards.
Brushing alone is not enough between teeth.
Sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks = danger for your enamel.
Alert us if you notice whitish areas on your teeth.
Continue your regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist every 6 months during orthodontic treatment.
The orthodontist takes care of alignment, your dentist of the overall health of your teeth. Both are complementary for an optimal result.
Our team will show you proper brushing techniques at your appointment.
