Braces care academy
Everything kids and adults need to know about keeping braces clean, with free printable guides.
Braces care academy
Clean braces, healthy smile
Braces work best on clean teeth. Learn why cleaning matters and exactly how to do it, with a version for kids and one for adults.
Why cleaning your braces is super important Why hygiene matters during treatment
Braces are like a tiny climbing frame on your teeth, and food loves to get stuck on it! Brackets and wires create many new places for plaque to collect, so your routine needs an upgrade.
Plaque loves to hide
Leftover food and sugar bugs hide around your brackets and can make holes (cavities) in your teeth.
Plaque builds up quickly around brackets and under the wire, raising the risk of cavities.
White spots can stay
If plaque stays on too long, it can leave white marks that you'll see when your braces come off.
Plaque left around brackets can cause decalcification: chalky white marks that may be permanent.
Happy, healthy gums
Clean gums stay pink and comfy. Dirty gums get puffy, sore and can bleed.
Plaque causes swollen, bleeding gums (gingivitis), making treatment less comfortable.
Finish on time
Clean teeth help your braces do their job, so you get to your big smile reveal!
Good hygiene helps avoid problems that could need extra visits or delay your treatment.
How to clean your braces in 8 steps The complete cleaning routine, step by step
Watch the animation or tap a step to jump to it.
Your braces care kit
Your cleaning tools are like a superhero's gadgets. Keep them together! Keep these at home, and a mini set in your bag or at work.
- Soft or orthodontic toothbrush
- Interdental brushes
- Floss threaders or orthodontic floss
- Water flosser (optional)
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Orthodontic wax
- Small mirror
Kids' zone
Brush along with the timer, then play the braces food game!
2-minute brushing timer
Brush each part of your mouth for 30 seconds. The timer tells you when to move on.
Braces-friendly or not?
Tap each food to find out if it's safe for braces.
Tips for busy adults
Fitting braces care into work and everyday life.
Carry a travel kit
A folding toothbrush, interdental brushes, a small toothpaste and wax make cleaning after lunch easy.
Mind staining drinks
Coffee, tea and red wine can stain elastic ties. Rinse with water after drinking them.
Wearing clear aligners?
Take them out to eat or drink anything but water. Brush before putting them back, and clean them with cool water, as hot water can warp them.
Keep seeing your dentist
Keep up your regular dental check-ups and cleanings throughout orthodontic treatment.
Choose braces-friendly food
Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods. Cut crunchy fruit and veg into small pieces.
Skip smoking
Smoking stains teeth and brackets and is bad for gum health during treatment.
My daily braces checklist Your daily routine checklist
Tick off each task today. The list resets every morning.
Braces trouble? Here's what to do
Small problems are common and usually easy to sort out.
A wire is poking
Cover the end with a small ball of orthodontic wax, then call us so we can fix it.
A bracket came loose
Keep any loose pieces and call us to book a repair. Don't try to glue it yourself.
Teeth feel sore
Some tenderness after fitting or an adjustment is normal for a few days. Stick to soft foods while it settles.
Take the guide home
Download a printable PDF to stick on the fridge or bathroom mirror. It includes a weekly chart to tick off.
This is general guidance. Always follow the specific instructions Dr Dasoo and the team give you for your treatment.
Ready for a smile you'll love?
Call our friendly team today to book your orthodontic consultation.
Call 016 423 1227