How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy During Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—but it also comes with a little extra responsibility. Whether your child is wearing traditional braces or clear aligners, maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment is crucial to protect their teeth and gums.

Braces and aligners can create new challenges for keeping the mouth clean, and without the right care, issues like plaque buildup, cavities, and gum inflammation can arise. Fortunately, with the right habits and a bit of consistency, your child can stay on track for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Here’s what you need to know about protecting your child’s oral health during orthodontic treatment.

Why Oral Hygiene Matters More During Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic appliances—especially braces—create additional surfaces where food and bacteria can accumulate. This makes it easier for plaque to build up around brackets, wires, and between teeth, increasing the risk for:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• White spots or demineralization (permanent stains on the teeth)
• Bad breath
• Delayed treatment due to inflammation or damage

When oral hygiene isn’t prioritized during treatment, the results can be compromised—even if the teeth are straightened successfully. That’s why regular brushing, flossing, and checkups are just as important as wearing appliances correctly.

1. Brushing: More Frequently and More Thoroughly

How often should your child brush?

With braces or aligners, brushing after every meal is ideal. At minimum, your child should brush at least twice a day—once in the morning and again before bed.

Brushing tips:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush with an orthodontic-friendly head.
• Brush for at least 2 minutes, making sure to reach all areas around the brackets and wires.
• Pay special attention to the gum line, where plaque tends to build up.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

For children with clear aligners, it’s important to brush both the teeth and the aligners before putting them back in after eating.

2. Flossing: Still Essential—Even with Braces

Flossing can be tricky with braces, but it’s non-negotiable when it comes to preventing gum issues and decay between teeth. If your child finds traditional floss difficult to manage, there are helpful alternatives.

Flossing options:

• Orthodontic floss threaders — Help guide floss under wires.
• Pre-threaded floss picks — Easier for kids to handle on their own.
• Water flossers — Use a gentle stream of water to clean between teeth and around brackets (especially helpful for kids with braces).

Encourage your child to floss at least once a day, ideally before bedtime.

3. Rinsing with Mouthwash

A fluoride or antimicrobial mouthwash can help reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss. It also helps reduce plaque and freshen breath.

Look for a mouthwash that’s:

• Alcohol-free (gentler for kids)
• ADA-approved for cavity prevention
• Specifically designed for orthodontic care, if available

Have your child rinse after brushing and flossing for best results.

4. Keeping the Appliances Clean

For Braces:

• Check for trapped food after each meal.
• Use an interproximal (proxy) brush to clean under wires and around brackets.
• Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that can damage wires and make cleaning harder.

For Clear Aligners:

• Rinse aligners with lukewarm water before putting them back in.
• Brush aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap (not toothpaste—it can scratch them).
• Soak aligners in a cleaning solution (like retainer or aligner cleaner) a few times a week to prevent odor and buildup.

Aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day, but keeping them clean is just as important as wearing them consistently.

5. Watch the Diet

Certain foods can cause problems during orthodontic treatment—both in terms of damaging appliances and contributing to cavities.

Foods to avoid with braces:

• Sticky candies (caramel, taffy, gum)
• Hard foods (nuts, popcorn, ice, hard pretzels)
• Crunchy fruits/veggies (cut apples and carrots into small pieces)
• Sugary drinks like soda, juice, or sports drinks

For kids with aligners, all food should be eaten with aligners removed, and teeth should be brushed before reinserting.

Encourage water as the main beverage of choice and minimize frequent snacking to reduce acid exposure on teeth.

6. Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings and Checkups

Even during orthodontic treatment, your child should continue seeing their general dentist every six months for professional cleanings and exams. These visits allow dental professionals to:

• Remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas
• Check for early signs of decay or gum issues
• Apply fluoride treatments or sealants if needed
• Coordinate care with the orthodontist

Don’t skip these visits—even if your child has frequent orthodontic checkups. Both providers play different but equally important roles.

7. Encourage Good Habits and Monitor Progress

Kids may need reminders and encouragement to keep up with their routine, especially early on in treatment.

Tips for parents:

• Create a checklist or reward chart for brushing, flossing, and aligner wear.
• Use timers or music to make brushing fun and effective.
• Check their mouth occasionally for signs of irritation, plaque buildup, or red gums.
• Keep extra orthodontic tools (wax, flossers, brushes) handy at home and school.

The more supported your child feels, the more likely they are to build habits that stick—and that lead to better results.

A Healthier Smile Starts with Daily Care

Orthodontic treatment is a team effort—and your child’s daily habits play a huge role in its success. By reinforcing good oral hygiene, encouraging healthy food choices, and keeping dental appointments, you’re helping your child stay on track toward a confident, cavity-free smile.

Ready for Personalized Support During Treatment?

Whether your child just got braces or is partway through aligner treatment, having a knowledgeable, compassionate dental team makes all the difference.

At Kids Care Dental and Orthodontics in Plantation, FL, we work closely with families to support every stage of orthodontic care. From hygiene tips to appliance maintenance, we’re here to help your child succeed.

Schedule a visit or reach out with questions—our team is here to support your child’s smile every step of the way.