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Clinical review completed: 13 September 2026
Brackets and wires create extra places for food and plaque to collect. Daily cleaning and regular dental reviews help protect teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. Ask your dental team to demonstrate the technique around your own appliance. British Orthodontic Society: looking after braces
1. Brush systematically
Use fluoride toothpaste and clean each tooth surface, including above and below brackets and along the gumline. A mirror can help you check the areas you tend to miss. Do not rely on a quick brush over the fronts of the brackets.
2. Clean between teeth and around wires
Ask which interdental brush, floss aid or other tool fits your appliance and spaces. Use it gently; forcing a brush through a tight area can injure the gum. Practise with the clinician if access is difficult.
3. Reduce frequent sugar exposure
Repeated sugary snacks and drinks make cleaning more demanding. Choose water as your routine drink and follow the orthodontic team’s advice about hard or sticky foods that may damage brackets or wires.
4. Check for trapped food
Look around the brackets after meals and clean away food using the method recommended for your appliance. Rinsing can help dislodge loose debris but does not replace brushing and cleaning between teeth.
5. Keep general dental appointments
Orthodontic visits check tooth movement and the appliance. Continue routine dental reviews so decay, gum inflammation and cleaning needs can be assessed. Ask whether professional cleaning or additional preventive care is appropriate.
6. Report problems early
Tell the team about persistent bleeding, worsening soreness, a loose bracket, a wire injuring the mouth or difficulty keeping an area clean. New white marks should be assessed rather than covered up with whitening products. See our white-spot treatment guide.
Make the routine practical
Keep the cleaning tools together and ask the team to help adapt your routine if time, dexterity or discomfort makes it difficult. Mouthwash is an addition only when recommended; it is not a substitute for removing plaque.
For treatment choices, read Invisalign versus braces. If gum bleeding is the main concern, our bleeding-gums guide explains when to seek assessment.
Arrange an assessment
Find a Teeth Q clinic or request a dental appointment. Explain your concern when booking so the clinic can advise on the appropriate next step.
General information only. This article does not replace an individual examination, diagnosis or treatment plan.
