Dental Care During Orthodontic Treatment: Keeping Teeth Clean with Braces

Why Oral Hygiene Is Even More Important With Braces

Orthodontic treatment is a transformative journey—one that results in straighter, healthier smiles. But maintaining excellent dental hygiene while wearing braces is crucial to ensure the results are not just beautiful, but healthy too.

At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, with convenient locations in San Antonio (Culebra & Rittiman), Lytle, Laredo, and Kerrville, we see firsthand how good hygiene during orthodontic care can protect your child’s teeth from cavities, staining, gum disease, and long-term damage.

Whether your child is in metal braces, clear braces, or using Invisalign, let’s explore how to keep their teeth sparkling throughout their treatment.

The Risk of Poor Oral Hygiene With Braces

Brackets, wires, and aligners can trap food particles and plaque, making brushing and flossing more difficult. Without proper care, this can lead to:

• Tooth decay between and around brackets
• White spot lesions (early signs of enamel demineralization)
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Gum infections that may delay or complicate orthodontic treatment

That’s why our orthodontists, like Dr. Noor Mansouri and Dr. Diana Villarreal, emphasize consistent and thorough cleaning throughout treatment.

5 Tips for Keeping Teeth Clean With Braces

1. Brush After Every Meal

Children and teens with braces should brush their teeth at least three times a day, preferably after every meal. Use:

• A soft-bristled toothbrush or electric brush
• Fluoride toothpaste
• A brushing technique that includes the gumline, above and below brackets

Our brushing tutorials can help children master the right technique!

2. Floss Daily (Yes, Even With Braces!)

Traditional floss can be tricky with brackets, but tools like:

• Floss threaders
• Orthodontic flossers
• Water flossers

can make it easier to clean between teeth and below the gumline. Daily flossing is essential to prevent cavities and gum inflammation.

3. Rinse With a Fluoride Mouthwash

A fluoride rinse can help strengthen enamel, especially in hard-to-reach areas. It also helps kill bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis.

Consider recommending alcohol-free rinses that are gentle for younger kids.

4. Avoid “Sticky” or “Hard” Foods

While it’s tempting to let kids indulge in snacks like caramel, popcorn, or gummy candy, these foods are bracket-breakers and cavity-causers. Encourage:

• Cut-up fruits
• Cooked veggies
• Sugar-free gum (only if braces-free)
• Braces-friendly meals (soft proteins, pasta, rice, etc.)

See our guide to smile-friendly snacks to support better oral health.

5. Schedule Regular Cleanings and Checkups

Orthodontic visits do not replace regular dental cleanings. Our team at Tots to Teens coordinates routine cleanings every 6 months (or more often if needed) during orthodontic treatment.

Explore our full preventive dental care services to stay proactive with your child’s oral health.

How Invisalign and Braces Differ in Dental Care

Invisalign trays are removable, which makes brushing and flossing easier. However, it’s important to:

• Brush after every meal before putting trays back in
• Clean trays daily to prevent bacteria buildup

For braces, children need to be more cautious about food choices and technique. But rest assured—our FOREVERSMILE Retainer Program ensures your child’s smile stays healthy and aligned long after braces come off.

A Word for Our Kerrville Families

We’re proud to serve Kerrville and nearby communities like Comfort, Fredericksburg, Bandera, Medina, and Mountain Home. We know access to local specialists can be tough in rural areas, which is why our Kerrville team of Dr. Joanna Ayala, Dr. Krystal Moya, and Dr. Diana Villarreal are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthodontic and pediatric dental care all in one place.

Whether your child needs routine braces, a first cleaning, or emergency care, schedule your visit and enjoy expert treatment close to home.

Braces don’t just straighten teeth—they build confidence. At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to protect your child’s smile every step of the way.

🦷 Need an orthodontic consultation or dental cleaning during treatment?
📞 Call us at your nearest location or schedule online today!

We accept PPO insurance and Medicaid and offer bilingual support for our Spanish-speaking families.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my child get cleanings during braces?
Every 6 months is recommended, but some children benefit from visits every 3-4 months for deeper cleaning.

Can I use an electric toothbrush with braces?
Yes! In fact, many orthodontists recommend them for better plaque control.

What if a bracket or wire breaks?
Contact your Tots to Teens location immediately. We offer orthodontic emergency care across all five offices.

Do kids with braces still need fluoride treatments?
Absolutely. We offer in-office fluoride treatments to help keep enamel strong.