---
title: "How to care for your braces: hygiene and diet"
description: "Hygiene with braces, which foods to avoid and how to prevent stains and cavities during orthodontics. A guide by Smile Experts, Polanco."
canonical: https://smileexperts.mx/blog-brackets-cuidados-higiene-en.html
og_image: https://smileexperts.mx/img/br4.jpg
language: en
last_modified: 2026-09-18
crawl_date: 2026-09-19
author: Equipo clínico de Smile Experts
publisher: Smile Experts
---

Braces

# How to care for your braces: hygiene and diet

By the Smile Experts clinical team · September 18, 2026 · 5 min read

![Checking braces with a dental mirror](img/br4.webp)

With **braces**, hygiene matters even more: the wires and attachments trap food and plaque. Caring for them well prevents stains, cavities and bad breath during treatment.

## How to brush with braces

1. Brush after every meal, with technique and without rushing.
2. Angle the brush to clean above and below each bracket.
3. Use an interdental brush for the areas between bracket and gum.
4. Complement with floss (with a threader) or a water flosser.

## Foods to avoid

- **Very hard**: ice, nuts, unpopped popcorn (they break brackets).
- **Sticky**: gum, chewy candy (they pull them off).
- **Staining**: if you wear aesthetic ties, watch coffee, wine and dark sodas.
- Cut apples, carrots and fibrous foods into small pieces.

## Preventing white spots

Poor hygiene around braces can leave **white spots** (demineralization) that remain visible when they're removed. They're prevented with constant brushing, fluoride use and periodic dental cleanings.

> A broken bracket isn't just annoying: it can stop your treatment's progress. Take care when eating.

## Did a bracket break?

If a bracket loosens or a wire hurts you, don't wait: contact us to check it. You can use orthodontic wax temporarily to avoid rubbing.

## Frequently asked questions

### How often should I brush with braces?

Ideally after every meal. If not possible, at least rinse with water and brush as soon as you can.

### Can I floss with braces?

Yes, with a threader or special orthodontic floss; a water flosser also helps.

### Do white spots go away?

Some improve with treatments, but the best is to prevent them with good hygiene throughout.

### Care for your orthodontics with us

Book your assessment or cleaning and keep your treatment on the best track.

[Book appointment](https://smile-experts.reservalacita.com/)

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