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How do I clean braces?
Food and plaque get trapped around braces. Extra care stops stains and holes in your teeth.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a check by a dentist or doctor. If you are worried, contact a dental professional.
Every day
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, for about 2 minutes.
- Brush around each bracket: above the wire, below the wire, and the chewing sides.
- Clean between your teeth once a day. Small interdental brushes slip under the wire. Ask your team for the right size.
- Spit, do not rinse, after brushing.
Food tips
- Cut down on sugary food. Sugar plus trapped plaque can stain or damage teeth for good.
- Avoid sticky and hard food, like toffee, popcorn, chewing gum, corn on the cob and whole apples. Cut apples into slices.
When to see a dentist
- A bracket comes off or a wire breaks.
- Your gums bleed a lot or stay swollen.
- You see white or brown marks around brackets.
Related: Orthodontics
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- ADA MouthHealthy. “Braces”. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Braces”. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/braces/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “How to keep your teeth clean”. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Oral Health Foundation. “Cleaning between your teeth”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/cleaning-between-your-teeth (accessed 21 Oct 2026).