SERVICES
Caring for Your Braces – Keep Your Smile Healthy Every Step of the Way
We know that caring for your braces is just as important as wearing them. Proper braces care helps keep your teeth clean, prevents damage, and ensures your treatment stays on track so you can achieve your dream smile faster and with fewer complications.
Whether you’re new to braces or looking for better cleaning tips, we will show you exactly how to take care of your braces at home and on the go.
Why Braces Care Matters
Braces are designed to gently guide your teeth into perfect alignment, but they need your help to work effectively. When food and plaque build up around brackets and wires, it can cause stains, cavities, and gum irritation, and even slow down your progress.
That’s why braces care is an essential part of every patient’s routine at Paramus Orthodontics. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you’ll not only keep your teeth healthy but also make your orthodontic treatment smoother and more comfortable.
How to Brush and Floss With Braces
Brushing and flossing may take a little extra time with braces, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s how to keep your teeth and braces sparkling clean:
Brush after every meal. Use a soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush and angle it at 45 degrees toward the gumline and brackets.
Use fluoride toothpaste. It helps protect enamel and prevent white spots.
Floss once a day. Thread dental floss carefully under the wire, or use a water flosser for easier cleaning between teeth.
Rinse with mouthwash. A fluoride or anti-plaque rinse keeps your gums healthy and your breath fresh.
During your visits, our Paramus orthodontist will demonstrate the best brushing and flossing techniques so you can clean effectively without damaging your brackets or wires.
Cleaning Tools and Braces-Friendly Products
The right tools make caring for braces much simpler. Our orthodontic team recommends:
Interdental brushes: Perfect for removing food particles around brackets.
Water flossers: Gentle yet powerful cleaning between teeth.
Electric toothbrushes: Provide more consistent brushing pressure.
Fluoride mouthwash: Strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.
At Paramus Orthodontics, we can guide you on choosing braces-safe cleaning tools and even recommend products available locally in NJ.
Eating Habits That Protect Your Braces
Your eating habits play a big role in how well your braces perform. Some foods can loosen wires or break brackets, while others help keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Braces-Safe Foods: Soft fruits, steamed vegetables, rice, pasta, yogurt, soups, and cheese.
Avoid: Sticky candy, caramel, hard nuts, popcorn, or chewing on ice.
Eating smart protects your braces and helps your orthodontic treatment finish on time. If you’re dining out in Paramus, look for braces-friendly meals such as soft pasta dishes, mashed potatoes, or grilled fish.
Common Braces Care Mistakes to Avoid
Even small habits can affect your braces’ performance. Here are a few common mistakes to watch for:
Skipping brushing or flossing regularly
Chewing on pens, fingernails, or hard snacks
Using your teeth to open packaging
Missing orthodontic adjustment appointments
Our team at Paramus Orthodontics will guide you on how to avoid these issues so your braces stay in great shape and your treatment moves smoothly.
Managing Discomfort and Adjustments
Mild discomfort is normal after an adjustment — it means your braces are working! You can manage it by:
Eating soft foods for a few days
Rinsing with warm salt water
Using orthodontic wax on any poking wires
Taking mild over-the-counter pain relief if needed
If a bracket or wire comes loose, contact Paramus Orthodontics immediately. We offer same-day appointments for minor orthodontic repairs to keep your smile progress on track.
Caring for Braces While Traveling
Busy schedule or upcoming trip? No problem. Pack a small braces care travel kit with:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Floss or floss threaders
Orthodontic wax
A small mirror and travel-sized mouthwash
Quick tip: after meals, swish water around your mouth if you can’t brush immediately — it helps remove trapped food and reduces plaque buildup.
Our Paramus team is happy to share travel-friendly care tips so you can maintain your braces anywhere you go.
GET STARTED
Caring Today for a Beautiful Smile Tomorrow
Caring for your braces is simple with the right guidance. At Paramus Orthodontics, our goal is to make every stage of your treatment easy, effective, and comfortable. We’ll teach you how to clean, protect, and maintain your braces — so you can achieve your best smile faster.
FAQs About Caring for Braces
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At least twice or thrice a day, after every meal and before bed.
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Use a floss threader or water flosser to reach between brackets and wires easily.
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Yes! Fluoride and antibacterial mouthwashes are excellent for keeping your mouth clean and fresh.
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To remove debris, rinse with water, use an interdental brush, or gently floss.
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Pack a mini braces care kit with your essentials and clean whenever possible.