This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
Congratulations! Your order qualifies for free shipping You are $60 away from free shipping.

Going to the dentist? Grab our best seller!

Cart 0

Sorry, looks like we don't have enough of this product.

Pair with
Subtotal Free
Shipping, taxes, and discount codes are calculated at checkout

Your Cart is Empty

The Books
About
Blog

Dental Hygiene 101 for Kids with Braces: Prevent White Spots, Cavities, Puffy Gums & More

smiling kid with braces

A note from Alyssa, Creator of Tiny Teeth Books
Braces are a big milestone—and yes, they can feel a little overwhelming at first! As a former orthodontic assistant and hygienist, I know the right habits make all the difference. That’s why I’m excited to share this guest blog from Emily Taylor of Thurman Orthodontics, full of simple tips to help your child keep their smile healthy (and stress-free) with braces.

If you have any questions—or tips of your own to share—I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Braces are a big step toward a straight, confident smile—but they can also make it harder for kids to keep their teeth clean. With brackets, wires, and rubber bands creating lots of tiny “food traps,” brushing and flossing often feel more like a battle than a breeze. And for parents, the big worry is: how can I help my child avoid white spots, cavities, or swollen gums while they have braces?

This guide to dental hygiene for kids with braces will walk you through what to expect and how to help—from daily routines to expert tools to watch-outs for issues like gingivitis and demineralization. Whether your child is just starting their braces journey or already months in, this blog is your go-to playbook for keeping their smile healthy every step of the way.

What You Should Know Before Your Child Gets Braces

Before those brackets go on, it’s important to lay a solid foundation for oral care. Braces can trap food and plaque, leading to problems like:

  • White spot lesions (early signs of enamel breakdown)

  • Gingivitis (gum inflammation)

  • Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth or "puffy gums")

  • Cavities and bad breath

The good news? You can stay ahead of these issues by preparing early.

Dental Checklist Before Braces:

  • Schedule a professional cleaning

  • Treat any cavities or areas of decay

  • Talk to your child about brushing and flossing expectations

  • Pick up key hygiene tools (we’ll cover those below!)

Why Dental Hygiene Is Extra Important with Braces

Braces create extra surfaces where plaque loves to hide, which means kids need to be even more mindful about brushing and flossing. Without proper care, your child may face:

  • Cavities (especially around the brackets)

  • White spots (the first visible sign of enamel demineralization)

  • Swollen or puffy gums from trapped food

  • Bad breath from braces caused by bacteria buildup

Maintaining excellent hygiene protects their teeth and ensures the best results from orthodontic treatment.

The Daily Dental Hygiene Routine for Kids with Braces

Creating a simple, doable daily routine is key to success. Here's how to build healthy habits that stick.

Morning Routine:

  • Rinse: Use a water flosser to clean along the gumline, between teeth, and around brackets.

  • Brush: Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush for two full minutes.

  • Scrape: Use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and prevent bad breath.

Post-Lunch/Snack Routine:

  • Brush: Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush for two full minutes.

  • Scrub around brackets with interdental brushes

Evening Routine:

  • Floss: use floss threaders or platypus flossers to clean between teeth.

  • Scrub around brackets with interdental brushes.

  • Rinse with a water flosser to flush away the debris.

  • Brush: Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush for two full minutes.

  • Check for missed spots using a small mirror

  • Optional but helpful: Rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

  • Avoid late-night snacks to reduce sugar sitting on the teeth overnight

Brushing with Braces: What Works Best

Brushing with braces isn’t just about brushing longer—it’s about brushing smarter.

Tips for Effective Brushing:

  • Use a soft-bristled brush or orthodontic electric toothbrush

  • Brush at a 45-degree angle, above and below each bracket

  • Focus on the gumline and around brackets

  • Replace the brush head every 6–8 weeks

  • Encourage brushing after every meal or snack

Flossing with Braces: Kid-Friendly Tools That Help

Flossing is essential for removing trapped food and reducing gum inflammation, but traditional floss can be tricky with wires in the way. Luckily, there are options!

Kid-Friendly Flossing Tools:

  • Floss threaders: Help guide floss under the wire. It takes a little practice, but it works!

  • Orthodontic flossers: Specially designed with stiff ends to thread under braces.

  • Water flossers (like Waterpik): Use a gentle stream of water to flush out debris. While not a full substitute for floss, they’re a great supplement.

How to Prevent White Spots on Teeth with Braces

White spots are one of the most common concerns during orthodontic treatment. They’re caused by demineralization, when plaque sits too long on the enamel and draws out minerals.

Prevention Tips:

  • Brush after every meal or snack

  • Use a remineralizing toothpaste

  • Ask your dentist about fluoride gels or varnishes

  • Avoid sugary or acidic drinks (especially soda)

  • Use a fluoride rinse in the evening 

Watch for dull, chalky patches near brackets—this can be an early sign of white spots.

Understanding Puffy Gums and Swollen Gums with Braces

If your child’s gums look extra puffy or start covering parts of the brackets, it may be a sign of gingival hyperplasia—a fancy term for gum overgrowth, which can be triggered by poor brushing or even hormonal changes.

Prevention Tips:

  • Teach your child to brush gently but thoroughly along the gumline

  • Consider toothpaste or mouthwash with antibacterial properties

  • Visit your dentist if swelling becomes significant

Bad Breath from Braces: Causes and Fixes

Braces can make it easier for odor-causing bacteria to build up. The good news? Fresh breath is totally achievable with a few key habits.

Breath-Boosting Tips:

  • Brush carefully around brackets and wires

  • Scrape or brush the tongue

  • Avoid sugary snacks and drinks

  • Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash

Tools & Products That Make a Big Difference

Having the right gear can make dental care easier—and even fun—for kids with braces.

Stock Up On:

  • Electric toothbrush for braces (e.g., Philips Sonicare for Kids)

  • Water flosser for daily deep cleaning

  • Interdental brushes to clean around brackets

  • Ortho flossers or threaders

  • Orthodontic wax for irritation

  • Tongue scraper

  • Remineralizing toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash (optional)

Diet & Braces: What to Eat (and What to Avoid)

Food plays a big role in keeping your child’s smile healthy. Sticky, hard, or sugary foods can damage brackets or increase the risk of cavities.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Sticky candies (caramel, taffy, gum)

  • Hard foods (popcorn, nuts, raw carrots, whole apples, crusty bread)

  • Chewy snacks (jerky, bagels)

  • Sugary drinks (soda, juice, sports drinks)

Braces-Friendly Foods:

  • Soft fruits (bananas, berries)

  • Cooked veggies

  • Yogurt, cheese, milk

  • Pasta, soft bread, rice

  • Tender meats cut into small pieces

  • Soups and stews

Regular Dental & Ortho Check-Ups: Why They Matter

Even with great home care, professional visits are a must.

Orthodontic Appointments:

Regular wire adjustments—and a chance for your orthodontist to check oral hygiene and offer advice.

Dentist Check-Ups:

Routine cleanings every six months (or more frequently if recommended) can help catch cavities or gum issues before they get worse.

Final Braces Hygiene Tips for Parents

Sometimes, a little creativity and consistency go a long way. Here are a few parent-tested ideas to keep hygiene on track:

  • Brush together to model good habits

  • Set reminders for post-lunch brushing

  • Try disclosing tablets to help kids spot missed plaque

  • Reward consistency with a sticker chart s or simple rewards like extra playtime or a fun activity

Remember: It’s not just about straight teeth—it’s about strong, healthy ones too.

When to Call the Dentist or Orthodontist

If you notice any of the following, give your dental provider a call:

  • White spots forming around brackets

  • Persistent bad breath

  • Swollen, bleeding, or painful gums

  • Trouble brushing or flossing comfortably

  • Loose or broken brackets/wires

Final Word

Braces can be a life-changing milestone in your child’s dental journey—but they don’t have to mean extra stress. With the right tools, routines, and support, you can help your child keep their smile both straight and sparkling. 

 

 

Author Bio:
Emily Taylor is the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno, CA. She believes a great smile can light up a room—and a life. Emily writes about all things smile-related, from oral care tips to the emotional power of a confident grin. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hanging with her family or catching waves on her surfboard.

 

References: