Orthodontic treatment is an important step toward achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you’re wearing traditional braces or using clear aligners, the process requires some additional attention to oral hygiene. At Back Bay Dental in Wolfeboro, NH, Dr. Nicholas Ciancarelli works with patients throughout Carroll County and the Lake Winnipesaukee region to ensure that their orthodontic journey is both successful and healthy. Proper care during this time isn’t just about keeping your braces clean—it’s about protecting your teeth and gums for the long run.
Why Oral Hygiene Is Extra Important with Orthodontics
When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to plaque buildup. Brackets, wires, and aligners create additional surfaces where food particles and bacteria can hide. Even with clear aligners that are removed during meals, there’s still a risk of trapping sugars and acids against the teeth when aligners are put back in too soon. As a result, patients are more prone to cavities, gingivitis, and even permanent white spot lesions on the teeth if proper care isn’t maintained throughout treatment.
This is why oral hygiene becomes more than a routine—it’s a daily defense. Neglecting your dental care while wearing braces or aligners can delay your treatment progress or lead to irreversible damage. When oral inflammation occurs, it can also affect how the teeth move and how comfortable the process feels, making the entire orthodontic experience more difficult.
Supporting long-term orthodontic success
Orthodontics is a significant investment of both time and money, and patients naturally want the best outcome possible. However, even perfectly straightened teeth can fall short of expectations if they’re stained, decayed, or compromised by gum disease. By prioritizing oral hygiene during treatment, you’re not just ensuring the brackets stay clean—you’re preserving the foundation of your new smile.
A healthy oral environment also allows for more predictable tooth movement, reducing discomfort and helping your treatment stay on track. Patients who maintain excellent hygiene throughout their orthodontic journey typically enjoy a smoother experience and a more satisfying result once the braces or aligners come off.
Mastering the Cleaning Routine
If you wear traditional braces, brushing and flossing become more detailed. Brushing should be done at least twice a day—ideally after every meal—and with extra attention around the brackets and gum line. Use a soft-bristled brush or an orthodontic toothbrush with V-shaped bristles designed to clean around wires. Angle the brush at 45 degrees above and below the brackets and take your time to clean every surface thoroughly.
Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s critical. A floss threader or orthodontic floss picks can help maneuver the floss under the wires to reach between teeth. Water flossers are also an excellent option for removing debris and bacteria in tight spots that brushing and traditional flossing might miss.
Special tools make a difference
Having the right tools can make orthodontic care much more manageable. In addition to your toothbrush and floss, consider keeping these items on hand:
- Interdental brushes to clean around brackets and between teeth
- A travel toothbrush for cleaning on the go
- Fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and reduce bacteria
- Orthodontic wax to prevent irritation from brackets and wires
These extras can help keep your mouth fresh and clean even when life gets busy or you’re on the move around Lake Winnipesaukee.
Nutrition Matters During Treatment
The food you eat during orthodontic treatment affects more than just your waistline—it has a direct impact on your dental health. Sticky, hard, and sugary foods should be avoided while wearing braces, as they can damage brackets, increase the risk of decay, and make cleaning more difficult. Foods like popcorn, nuts, caramel, and chewing gum are common culprits that can cause trouble.
Instead, opt for softer, tooth-friendly foods that are easy to chew and less likely to get stuck in your appliances. Cooked vegetables, yogurt, eggs, smoothies, and lean proteins are all good options. If you’re wearing clear aligners, remember to remove them before eating and brush your teeth before placing them back in to prevent trapping food particles against your enamel.
Staying hydrated and limiting acids
Sipping water throughout the day helps rinse away debris and keeps your mouth moist, which is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria. On the other hand, frequent consumption of acidic drinks like soda or sports drinks can weaken enamel and increase the risk of white spots—especially when your teeth are harder to clean due to orthodontic hardware. If you indulge occasionally, use a straw and rinse with water afterward to minimize the impact.
Managing Discomfort and Irritation
Orthodontic treatment often involves periods of discomfort, particularly after adjustments or when switching to a new set of aligners. This soreness is a sign that your teeth are moving, but it can also make it harder to brush and floss properly. Using an over-the-counter pain reliever or rinsing with warm saltwater can help ease tenderness. Be sure to continue your hygiene routine even if your mouth feels sensitive, as neglecting it can cause more significant issues down the line.
Orthodontic wax can be used to cover brackets or wires that are rubbing against the inside of your cheeks or lips. Keep some on hand when you’re out and about in Carroll County or traveling around the Great Lakes region. If a wire becomes loose or a bracket breaks, contact your dentist or orthodontist promptly to prevent further complications.
Preventing mouth sores and damage
Some patients experience mouth sores during orthodontic treatment, especially in the early stages. These typically heal on their own, but you can use topical oral gels to relieve discomfort. Be cautious during sports or physical activity—always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances from injury.
Keeping your mouth clean and using the right protective measures ensures that any discomfort you experience during treatment stays temporary and manageable.
Follow-Up Visits and Professional Support
Regular checkups with your dentist are just as important as visits with your orthodontist. At Back Bay Dental, Dr. Nicholas Ciancarelli helps patients throughout Wolfeboro and Carroll County stay on top of their oral health throughout treatment. These visits allow us to monitor your gums, clean areas that are hard to reach at home, and apply fluoride or sealants as needed to protect your enamel.
Even if you’re seeing an orthodontist regularly, don’t skip your general dental cleanings. These appointments serve a different but equally vital purpose in keeping your teeth healthy and your treatment on track.
Staying proactive for best results
Caring for your teeth during orthodontic treatment takes a little extra time and dedication, but the results are worth it. With the right tools, habits, and professional support, you can enjoy a smooth treatment process and reveal a smile that’s not only straight but also healthy and vibrant. Dr. Ciancarelli and the Back Bay Dental team are here to guide you every step of the way.
Sources:
Murray, J. J., Nunn, J. H., & Steele, J. G. (2015). Prevention of Oral Disease. Oxford University Press.
Proffit, W. R., Fields, H. W., & Sarver, D. M. (2018). Contemporary Orthodontics. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Hickman, J., & Henry, R. (2019). Oral Hygiene in Fixed Orthodontic Therapy. British Dental Journal.
