Nothing ruins a day faster than food getting stuck in your braces at Beaverton City Park. That’s why board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Delplanche, and the team at Delplanche Orthodontics make brushing with braces simple, effective, and part of your daily routine. With the right habits, even a busy day with school drop-off, errands at Fred Meyer, swim lessons at Harman Swim Center, and lunch at Laughing Planet Cafe won’t throw off your routine. Let’s start with how to pick a toothbrush that can really get the job done.
Your Toothbrush Isn’t on Autopilot Anymore
Brushing with braces takes more than a quick swipe. Wires and brackets create extra surfaces where food and plaque like to hide, especially after lunch or a snack from New Seasons Market. That means your old routine probably needs an upgrade.
Here’s how to make brushing count:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric model with an orthodontic head (more on that later!)
- Angle the brush to clean above and below the wires—don’t just brush straight on
- Brush for two full minutes, at least twice a day (after every meal is even better)
- Replace your toothbrush more often, about every 3 months or sooner if the bristles fray
Brushing right takes a little more effort with braces, but it helps avoid stains, gum issues, and that fuzzy feeling that no one enjoys. Next up, we’ll break down the products that can make this routine a whole lot easier.
Tools That Take the Pressure Off
Keeping your smile in shape is much easier when you’ve got the right tools by your side. A few simple upgrades can make a big difference, and many are easy to find at local spots like Fred Meyer in Beaverton or Lake Oswego. Here’s what can help:
Orthodontic toothbrush
These brushes have V-shaped bristles made to clean around brackets.
Interproximal brushes
Small and flexible, they slide between wires and get into tight spaces.
Fluoride toothpaste
Adds cavity protection where your brush might miss.
Travel-sized tools
Handy for cleaning up after grabbing snacks in Millennium Plaza Park or before a show at the Lakewood Center.
Adding just one or two of these can streamline your daily routine. Up next, let’s talk about what foods pair well with braces and which ones are better left off the plate.
Smart Eats with Braces
When you’ve got braces, mealtime comes with a few new rules, but nothing that’ll slow your social life down. Dr. Delplanche and the team at Delplanche Orthodontics help patients find foods that are both satisfying and safe for brackets, so you’re not making unexpected trips back to the office for repairs.
Think of it this way: some foods are easygoing and gentle on your hardware, while others can be a little too bold. Here’s what we recommend:
Go-to picks that work well with braces:
- Soft fruits like sliced melon, bananas, or blueberries
- Cooked veggies, pasta, rice, and soft breads
- Shredded meats, meatballs, tofu, and eggs
- Yogurt, cottage cheese, or cold smoothies
Foods that often cause trouble:
- Hard pretzels, chips, or crusty bread
- Sticky sweets like caramel or taffy
- Raw carrots or whole apples (unless cut into small pieces)
- Anything you need to bite into with force
Next, let’s walk through ways to stick to strong brushing habits without adding stress to your day.
Brushing Without the Burnout
Fitting braces care into your routine doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sleep or rushing through breakfast. In fact, most Delplanche Orthodontics patients find that once their new routine clicks, brushing becomes a natural part of the day (like packing lunch or heading to swim lessons at Harman Swim Center).
Here are a few ways to keep it all manageable:
- Set a brushing schedule
Mornings and evenings are a must, and brushing after meals when possible helps keep things extra clean.
- Keep a to-go kit
A travel toothbrush, mini toothpaste, and interproximal brush in your backpack or car can save the day after meals out.
- Use reminders
A quick phone alarm or sticky note on the bathroom mirror makes it harder to forget.
- Don’t skip flossing
A floss threader or water flosser can make it much easier to stay on track without taking extra time.
Next, we’ll cover what to do when something feels off or you’re unsure how to handle a brushing hiccup.
When Brushing Doesn’t Go as Planned
Even with a solid routine, life happens. You might miss a brush after dinner at Oswego Grill or feel like you didn’t quite reach that back bracket. When something feels off, the team at Delplanche Orthodontics is here to help patients from Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and nearby communities get back on track without added stress. Here’s what to do if:
You forgot to brush after a meal
Rinse your mouth with water until you can brush later. Swishing helps dislodge food and cut down on bacteria buildup.
Your gums feel sore or puffy
That’s a sign to spend a little more time brushing near the gumline. If the issue sticks around, check in with the office.
You see spots or stains forming
Don’t panic. Consistent brushing, fluoride toothpaste, and regular checkups help avoid long-term effects.
Something feels stuck
Try an interproximal brush or water flosser. If it doesn’t help, reach out for advice.
Next, we’ll wrap things up with a few thoughts on how summer might just be the best time to fine-tune your brushing habits.
Brushing Habits That Stick
Summer’s slower pace makes it easier to lock in routines that last. With fewer early mornings and more time at home, patients around the greater Portland area can take a few extra minutes to brush thoroughly, swap out old toothbrushes, or try new tools. Even a midday brush after lunch at Lee Farms in Tualatin can become second nature. Creating strong habits now means less worry when the school year ramps back up!
The Little Habits That Make a Big Difference
Brushing with braces can be simple, especially when you’ve got a routine that works for your summer schedule and your smile. With the right habits, tools, and support, you can keep things clean and comfortable all year long! Dr. Delplanche and the team at Delplanche Orthodontics are here to make orthodontic care one less thing to worry about. Schedule your free consultation with us in Beaverton or Lake Oswego today, and let’s build something that fits your day-to-day.