This time, we’re looking at “How to floss with braces,” in the Orthodontic Excellence blog. Previously, we looked at foods to eat and avoid with braces and our Top 5 Candies to avoid with braces.
When wearing braces, it’s very important to keep them clean since food particles can get stuck in the wires and brackets. Part of keeping them clean is knowing which foods to avoid, such as sugary, sticky, chewy, crunchy, or hard items. Thus, you can help keep your braces in top condition by choosing soft foods and limiting sugary items.
During orthodontics treatment, brushing and flossing are even more important than usual. By sticking to your daily hygiene routine, you can improve treatment and get your dream smile faster. Otherwise, you are more likely to experience periodontal disease, bad breath, and cavities.
Once you get some practice, it’s not difficult to floss with braces. So, let’s take a closer look.
How to Floss with Braces
The American Dental Association recommends flossing teeth once a day and brushing twice a day. However, if you notice particles of food getting stuck between your braces, floss as needed.
There are a few tools that make it easier to floss with braces. However, it’s possible to floss using just regular waxed floss or Super Floss. Avoid unwaxed floss since it may shred and get stuck in your braces.
With practice, you can thread the floss between your teeth and the braces’ wire. However, a disposable floss threader can help make the process easier for some people. These short plastic pieces are rigid and easier to push through under the braces wire.
How to Use a Floss Threader
Here are the steps to use a floss threader:
- Cut a piece of waxed floss to about 12-18 inches long.
- Insert the floss through the loop of the threader about five inches.
- Insert the pointy end of the threader under the braces wire.
- Pull through gently.
- Remove the threader loop.
- Gently floss along the sides of each tooth into the gum area as normal.
- Repeat the process around each tooth.
As you can see, it’s a simple process but can take time. With practice, it becomes easier and part of the daily routine.
Alternatively, you can use “pre-threaded” floss, which is pre-cut to length with an aglet tip like a shoelace. These often come in convenient single-use packets.
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An Interproximal Brush
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an interproximal brush, a small pipe cleaner-like brush for flossing. There are many brands, like Proxabrush and Soft-Picks. Notably, there are versions designed for adults and kids. However, not every child may be able to control such devices. Before use, please consult your orthodontist.
Using the small brush end, simply insert under the braces wire and gently brush along all surfaces.
Also, another option is handheld disposable flossers designed for brace like a Platypus Flosser, which holds the floss in a plastic frame. One side of the frame is smaller and thin, designed to push between the braces wire and your tooth.
Orthodontic Excellence will be happy to discuss our recommendations at your next appointment. Otherwise, please feel free to contact us here for questions.
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A Water Pick or Water Flosser
Using a Water Pick or Water Flosser can make it easier and efficient to clean between your braces and teeth. When choosing one, we’ll be happy to make a recommendation. As a rule, use a water flosser with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Water Flossers are powerful but can be adjusted to suit your preference until you get the hang of it. Combined with flossing and brushing, you can be sure your braces are as clean as possible.
We hope this information about “How to floss with braces” is helpful.
Orthodontic Excellence provides top-quality, affordable orthodontic care in the Newcastle and Bellevue, WA areas. As always, you can reach us by phone. For Bellevue, call 425-747-6335. For Newcastle, call 425-747-4944.
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