Introduction:

Maintaining excellent dental hygiene is crucial, especially for individuals wearing braces. Flossing with braces might seem challenging, but it’s important to keep your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment. Here are four ways to make flossing with braces more manageable and effective.

1. Braces-Specific Floss Threaders

Floss threaders are specifically designed to help you floss efficiently around your braces. These plastic, needle-like tools allow you to easily thread floss between your teeth, under the archwire, and around your brackets. To use a floss threader:

a. Cut about 12-18 inches of your preferred dental floss.

b. Thread the floss through the eye of the threader.

c. Gently glide the threader under the archwire of your braces.

d. Hold each end of the floss and carefully move it up and down between your teeth, cleaning all sides.

e. Repeat this process for each tooth.

2. Orthodontic Wax Floss

Orthodontic wax floss is specifically designed for those with braces or other dental appliances. This type of floss has a stiffened end, making it simpler to insert between teeth without getting caught on brackets or wires. To use orthodontic wax floss:

a. Take about 10-12 inches of waxed floss and hold it firmly between your fingers.

b. Carefully insert the stiffened end between two teeth and underneath the archwire.

c. Move the floss gently up and down along both sides of adjacent teeth, cleaning below the gumline.

d. Remove the floss by pulling it out gently from either side of the tooth.

3. Water Flossers

A water flosser is a handheld device that uses a pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth. Although not a direct replacement for traditional flossing, water flossers can effectively remove plaque and debris, making them an excellent addition to your dental hygiene routine if you wear braces. To use a water flosser:

a. Fill the reservoir with water and adjust the water pressure settings as needed.

b. Place the tip of the flosser at a 90-degree angle to your teeth’s surface.

c. Switch on the device, guiding the stream of water between your teeth and along the gumline. Make sure to reach the spaces around brackets and wires.

d. Continue this process for all teeth.

4. Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes are small, cone- or cylinder-shaped brushes that can gently clean in tight spaces like those around braces, effectively removing food debris and plaque buildup.

a. Choose an interdental brush with a size appropriate for your tooth spacing.

b. Insert the brush gently between two teeth, carefully navigating it around brackets and wires.

c. Move the brush back and forth, cleaning both sides of your teeth.

d. Rinse your mouth and brush to remove any dislodged debris.

Conclusion:

Flossing with braces may require some additional effort, but maintaining good dental hygiene is essential to avoid issues with tooth decay or gum disease during orthodontic treatment. Using these four methods, you can keep your smile healthy and clean throughout your braces-wearing journey.