Wearing braces or aligners requires extra care and discipline, but the reward is a lifetime of a healthy, confident smile.
Follow these simple steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Brush your teeth and your brace/aligner at least twice a day.
Brush for at least 3 minutes using a soft toothbrush and proper technique.
Use a separate toothbrush to clean removable braces or aligners.
Clean between your teeth once a day using dental floss or interdental brushes.
Use fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
Use a fluoride mouthwash once a day.
Always spit out toothpaste and mouthwash — do not swallow.
Food & Drink Tips
Reduce sugary snacks and acidic drinks.
Keep fizzy drinks and fruit juices to a minimum.
Choose less acidic options like water and milk (unflavoured).
Foods like cheese can help neutralise acid in the mouth.
Visit your general dentist regularly for check-ups during orthodontic treatment.
Acidic Drinks & Your Teeth
The Issue
Acidic foods and drinks can:
Erode tooth enamel
Cause tooth decay (many acidic drinks also contain sugar)
The pH scale measures how acidic something is.
A pH below 7 is acidic — the lower the number, the more damaging it can be to teeth.
Common Acidic Drinks
Fruit juices (especially orange and apple juice)
Fizzy drinks (colas, lemonade, fruit-flavoured drinks)
Sports and energy drinks
Smoothies
Wine, beer and cider
Examples of acidity (pH levels):
Fizzy drinks: pH 2.6
Energy drinks: pH 3.2
Sports drinks: pH 3.4
Apple juice: pH 3.4
Orange juice: pH 3.8
Beer/Wine/Cider: pH 3.8
Water: pH 7 (neutral)
Diet drinks can cause as much tooth damage as regular drinks.
What You Should Do
Limit acidic drinks to one small juice per day
Limit fizzy drinks to once a week, ideally with meals
Choose water or milk instead
After Acidic Food or Drinks
Do NOT brush immediately.
Acid softens the tooth surface and brushing can cause damage.
Instead:
Rinse with water or fluoride mouthwash
Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing