Tips for Easier Flossing with Braces
Posted on 12/1/2025 by Raleigh Family Orthodontics |
 Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for people who wear braces. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, making it difficult to clean your teeth effectively. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks that can make flossing with braces easier and more effective.
Choose the Right Tools
| • |
Dental floss: Look for floss that is specifically designed for braces, such as waxed floss or floss with a stiffened end. These types of floss are less likely to shred or break when you're maneuvering it around your braces. |
| • |
Floss threader: A floss threader is a small, plastic device that helps you guide the floss under your archwire. This can be especially helpful if you have difficulty reaching the back of your mouth. |
| • |
Interdental brushes: Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes that can be used to clean between your teeth and around your braces. They are particularly effective at removing food particles that are stuck in tight spaces. |
Flossing Technique
| • |
Break the floss into sections: Cut a piece of floss that is about 18 inches long. This will give you enough length to work with, and you can always break off more if needed. |
| • |
Thread the floss: If you are using a floss threader, insert the end of the floss into the threader and slide it under your archwire. If you are not using a threader, gently guide the floss under your archwire with your fingers. |
| • |
Wrap the floss around your teeth: Once the floss is under your archwire, wrap the ends of the floss around your index fingers. This will give you a better grip and make it easier to control the floss. |
| • |
Gently slide the floss up and down: Use a sawing motion to gently slide the floss up and down between your teeth and around your braces. Be sure to hug the curve of your teeth and go below the gumline. |
| • |
Repeat: Repeat this process for each tooth, using a fresh section of floss for each tooth. |
Extra Tips
| • |
Floss at least once a day: Ideally, you should floss after every meal or snack. However, if you are short on time, at least try to floss once a day before bed. |
| • |
Be gentle: Don't be too rough when you're flossing, as this can irritate your gums. |
| • |
Use mouthwash: After you floss, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill any bacteria that you may have missed. |
| • |
Don't give up: It may take some time and practice to get the hang of flossing with braces. But with a little patience and effort, you will be able to master it. |
Importance of Oral Care with Braces
Good oral care is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for people who wear braces. This is because braces can make it more difficult to clean your teeth effectively, which can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth when bacteria in your mouth break down sugars and starches. Plaque can harden into calculus, also known as tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Plaque and calculus can irritate your gums and lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a serious infection that can damage the bones and tissues that support your teeth.
In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, people who wear braces should see their dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and can also monitor your progress with your braces.
Restoration Dentistry
If you have already experienced tooth decay or gum disease, restoration dentistry can help to restore your oral health. Restoration dentistry includes a variety of treatments, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges, that can repair damaged teeth and replace missing teeth.
By following these tips and taking good care of your oral health, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while you are wearing braces. This will help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
|
|
