After traditional or lingual braces have been placed, daily home care is more important than ever for keeping your teeth healthy and your braces functioning correctly during treatment. Poor oral hygiene while wearing braces can lead to gum disease and permanent staining of the teeth, potentially extending treatment time and adding to expenses throughout your orthodontic treatment. It's essential to avoid eating hard, chewy, or sticky foods to prevent damaging the brackets, and soft drinks should be eliminated as well to avoid weakening tooth enamel. Regular brushing and flossing after every meal, along with using a fluoride toothpaste and carrying a toothbrush for on-the-go brushing, are crucial for maintaining oral health. Flossing, especially with a water flosser, helps clean between neighboring teeth and around wires and brackets, reaching areas a toothbrush can't. Your doctor may recommend specific cleaning aids for home care and precautions such as a mouth guard if you play contact sports. If you experience any issues like severe pain, loose brackets, or broken wires, it's important to contact your doctor's office for assistance promptly.