How to Floss With Braces - Five Different Tools to Keep Your Teeth Clean

Flossing with braces can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to continue flossing to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces. Not only can braces make it difficult to floss, but they can also trap food particles and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By taking the time to floss effectively, you can help to prevent these issues and keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces.

There are several techniques and tools that can make flossing with braces easier and more effective. Here are some tips on how to effectively floss with braces:

1. Use a floss threader
2. Use a water flosser
3. Use floss picks
4. Use waxed floss
5. Floss before brushing

A floss threader is a thin, flexible piece of plastic with a loop on one end. To use a floss threader, insert the floss through the loop and then guide the threader under the wire of your braces. This will allow you to get the floss in between your teeth and around your braces. Floss threaders can be found at most drugstores and can be purchased in a pack or individually.

A water flosser is a device that shoots a stream of water to clean between your teeth and around your braces. Water flossers are a gentle and effective way to floss with braces, as the water pressure can help to loosen and remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around your brackets. Water flossers can be found at most drugstores and come in corded and cordless options.

I use a Waterpick myself and I love it. It's very effective in flossing and also gentle to my gums. There are several models available.

Floss picks are small, pre-threaded flossers that can be easier to use with braces. Simply slide the pick between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Floss picks can be found at most drugstores and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate different mouth sizes and tooth configurations.

Waxed floss is coated in a thin layer of wax, which makes it easier to slide between your teeth and around your braces. Waxed floss can be found at most drugstores and comes in a variety of flavors, such as mint and fruit, to freshen your breath.

It is often easier to floss before you brush your teeth, as the toothpaste can help to loosen any plaque or food particles that have been removed by flossing. By flossing before brushing, you can ensure that your teeth are thoroughly clean before you apply toothpaste, which can help to remove any remaining debris and plaque.

It is important to be gentle when flossing with braces, as the wire and brackets can be delicate. Take your time and be careful not to damage your braces while flossing. It may take some practice, but with time and patience, you will become proficient at flossing with braces.

Here are some additional tips to consider when flossing with braces:

1. Floss daily: It is important to floss at least once a day, preferably at night before bed, to remove plaque and food particles that have accumulated throughout the day.

2. Use enough floss: Make sure to use a generous amount of floss, as you will need to wrap the floss around each tooth and between each bracket to effectively remove plaque and food particles.

3. Be thorough: Make sure to floss between all of your teeth, not just the ones that are easiest to reach. It is important to clean between all of your teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

4. Ask your orthodontist for guidance: If you are having difficulty flossing with braces or have any questions about how to properly floss with braces, don't hesitate to ask your orthodontist for guidance. They can provide you with additional tips and techniques to help you floss effectively and keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces.

It's also a good idea to visit your orthodontist regularly while wearing braces to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and that your braces are functioning properly. Your orthodontist can also provide you with a professional cleaning to help remove any plaque or tartar that may have accumulated around your braces.

In addition to flossing, it is also important to brush your teeth at least twice a day while wearing braces to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, and be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.

By following these tips and techniques, you can effectively floss with braces and maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces. Don't neglect your oral hygiene routine while wearing braces, as it is an important part of ensuring that your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.