Healthy Teeth and Gums During Your Braces. Using Food Colouring
A clear routine to protect your teeth
Braces make teeth look beautifully straight, but they also create little nooks where plaque can hide. To keep your teeth healthy and avoid white or brown marks, a daily cleaning routine is essential—twice a day, plus a little extra care with a Water Flosser and a quick plaque check using food coloring.
Why plaque matters when you have braces
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth. If it’s not cleaned away, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and permanent marks on your teeth. Braces give plaque more places to hide, so being thorough with your routine helps protect your smile.
A simple daily routine
Morning: Brush your teeth, gums, and braces with a toothbrush and interdental brushes. If you can, finish with a fluoride mouthwash.
Night: Brush again, clean between teeth and around braces with interdental brushes, then use your Water Flosser to wash away debris. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash if you use it.
Plaque check (fun and helpful): After your bedtime cleaning, use food coloring or a disclosing tablet to reveal any plaque. You’ll see colored areas where cleaning is needed. Brush again until the color is gone.
Try this easy flow
- Brush for two minutes, paying attention to brackets and wires.
- Clean between teeth and around braces with interdental brushes.
- Use the Water Flosser to flush out leftovers.
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
- Use disclosing color after the bedtime routine, then brush again until the color disappears.
A quick note for families
You can personalize the plan: fill in how often you’ll disclose plaque and any family reminder.
The little color check helps kids see where to brush and makes the routine more engaging.
Extra tips for a healthy orthodontic journey
- Brush twice daily, floss or use interdental brushes daily, and don’t skip the Water Flosser.
- Brush all surfaces, including the tongue, to keep breath fresh.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary or acidic foods to protect enamel.
- Visit your dentist and orthodontist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Learn more (Click Links Below):
How to Disclose and Brush with Braces.