Your daily routine
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| After each meal | Rinse with water; brush if you can |
| Morning and night | Brush for 2–3 minutes: along the gum line, above and below each bracket, and the chewing surfaces |
| Once a day | Interdental brushes around brackets, plus floss with a threader or a water flosser |
| Night | Fluoride toothpaste last thing; spit, don’t rinse |
Foods to watch
| Avoid | Why | Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Nuts, chikki, hard candy, ice | Break brackets | Soft snacks |
| Toffee, chewing gum | Pull on wires and brackets | Sugar-free options without chewing |
| Popcorn | Husks lodge under the gums | Other snacks |
| Whole apples, corn on the cob | Biting can knock brackets off | Cut into pieces |
| Frequent sweet drinks | White spots and decay | Water, and sweets only at meals |
If you have aligners
- Take them out to eat or drink anything except plain water.
- Brush your teeth before putting them back, so food isn’t trapped against your teeth.
- Clean the aligners with a soft brush and cool water.
- Keep them in their case, not wrapped in tissue.
Keep up check-ups
See your dentist for check-ups and cleaning every six months during orthodontic treatment, alongside your orthodontic visits. Call your orthodontist if a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes.
At Petal Smiles
Our orthodontist and general dentist work in the same clinic, so your orthodontic visits and check-ups can be booked together. See braces and teeth cleaning.
Questions patients ask us
What is the best toothbrush for braces?
A soft brush, often electric, plus small interdental brushes for around the brackets and under the wire. Some people like an orthodontic brush with a V-shaped bristle pattern.
How do I floss with braces?
Use a floss threader or "super floss" to pass under the wire, or a water flosser, which many people find much easier.
What are white spots after braces?
Early decay where plaque sat around the brackets. They're preventable with good cleaning, fluoride toothpaste and less frequent sugar.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Hard and sticky foods: nuts, hard candy, toffee, chikki, popcorn, ice, and biting straight into corn on the cob or whole apples. Cut hard fruit into pieces.
How do I clean clear aligners?
Rinse them each time you take them out, brush them gently with a soft brush and cool water, and brush your teeth before putting them back. Don't use hot water or toothpaste, which can warp or scratch them.
Sources
ADA MouthHealthy: braces ↗NHS: braces and aligners ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.