Good oral hygiene is especially important when braces are present. Decay-causing bacteria from plaque remain on dental surface and braces after eating, resulting in cavities and bad breath.

Brush your teeth after every meal with a soft-bristle brush. The size and shape should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Replace your toothbrush as soon as the bristles are frayed. A warn toothbrush will not do a good job at cleaning your teeth.

Maintain a balanced diet.  Avoid foods that could interfere with braces or accidentally bend wires. Examples of these foods are nuts, hard candy, ice and sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel or other chewy candy. Reduce the amount of sugared foods you consume to prevent cavities.

Avoid putting objects in your mouth such as pens, pencils, toothpicks etc.
Smoking can cause inflammation of the gums and stain on the enamel. Studies also show that orthodontic treatments take a longer amount of time on smokers.