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Care for your Smile

How to Floss with Braces

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If you have found this article, chances are you are on a quest to maintain a dazzling and healthy smile while wearing braces. Flossing with braces might seem complicated, but with the right know-how and a suitable approach, you will be a pro in no time.

Join us as we show you everything you need to know about flossing, particularly when wearing braces, so your dental hygiene routine remains in top form throughout your treatment.

Why Flossing with Braces Matters

Flossing while wearing braces is more important than you might initially imagine. Braces create nooks and crannies where food particles can get trapped, making it a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria.

Flossing your teeth on a regular basis will help avoid cavities, gum disease, and ugly stains that may appear after the braces have been removed. It is not just about straightening your teeth but also about keeping them healthy!

Floss-Friendly Tools for Braces

Keeping your smile in top shape with braces is a breeze when you have the right floss-friendly tools. Let’s look at the must-have items that make flossing easy when you have braces:

Orthodontic Wax

Smooth out your braces' rough spots with orthodontic wax, and brushing won't hurt anymore. This little trick makes sure that your mouth is free from any sores that may be irritated further by brushing or flossing. It will help ensure the floss slides effortlessly and cleans your teeth without hurting your gums or cheeks.

Dental Floss Threader

When it comes to flossing with braces, floss threaders are your most reliable partners. These handy helpers let you easily thread the floss under your arch wires, reaching those tight spaces between your teeth.

Wax-Coated Dental Floss or Dental Tape

If you want to avoid getting your floss caught on anything, use dental tape or wax-coated dental floss. The wax covering prevents the floss from tearing as it slides gently between teeth and braces.

Water Flossers

For those who would rather use a modern device, water flossers are an excellent option. These innovative implements shoot a stream of water to clean food particles out of the tight gaps of braces and between teeth.

Maintaining teeth and braces clean has never been simpler with the aforementioned devices. If you work them into your routine, you'll have cleaner teeth and a brighter smile.

close-up shot of a person using a water flosser

The Perfect Flossing Routine

The foundation of good oral hygiene while wearing braces is an ongoing flossing regimen. To help you create a winning routine, here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1 — Get your floss ready

Prepare a string of floss that is approximately 18 inches in length, and then thread it through the loop of threader floss to start the most successful way of flossing.

Step 2 — Thread the floss

Place the threader floss in the space between the wire and your teeth, and then move it up and down in the space with a light and slow motion.

Step 3 — Floss between your teeth

As you slide the floss back and forth between your teeth, give each tooth the shape of a "C" by wrapping the floss around it as you go. Continue this movement down to the gum line.

Step 4 — Unthread and repeat

When you are done flossing a single space between two teeth, remove the floss from the wire and subsequently begin the process again with the next set of teeth.

These easy-to-follow flossing techniques are essential for keeping your braces and teeth in great shape. Now that you know how to floss with braces, you can undoubtedly achieve a radiant, confident smile.

Additional Tips for Effective Flossing

While flossing with braces demands a little more technique than usual, there is no need to worry about what to do as there are some useful recommendations that will make the process go more smoothly, for instance:

Floss after every meal

After each meal, make it a routine to floss your teeth in order to avoid food particles from being lodged in your braces and preserve the cleanliness and health of your teeth.

Use a mirror

Flossing can feel like a challenge with braces, but using a mirror to get a better view of your teeth can make the process quicker and more efficient.

Try interdental brushes

Consider employing the use of interdental brushes in order to access those difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies. These teeny-tiny assistants can clean between your brackets and wires to ensure a thorough and accurate clean.

Use caution

You only need to give it a light touch. Take your time, and avoid trying to force the floss between your teeth and braces. Attempting to do so could cause discomfort and damage your teeth, gums, or braces.

Consistency is key

It is important to floss at least once a day, and the best time to do so is shortly before going to bed to remove food debris and plaque between your teeth and gums. Your oral hygiene will remain in pristine condition as a result of this.

Don't skip dental check-ups

Continuing your regular dental check-up schedule is highly recommended, especially when wearing braces. Your dentist can help you take care of healthy teeth and gums, which will help you appear youthful for longer.

Keep these valuable tips in mind, and you will be in a better position to fulfill your commitment to upholding a high level of oral hygiene practices for the duration of your treatment.

a dental hygienist flossing a patient's teeth

Troubleshooting Common Flossing Challenges

Flossing and dealing with braces may offer their fair share of obstacles, but you should not let that discourage you! We have a solution that will keep you grinning with self-assurance.

Stuck in the Wires

There is no need to be concerned if your floss becomes entangled in the wires. Make your way back to where it should be with the help of the floss threader.

Sore Gums

When you first begin flossing with braces, you may initially experience some minor soreness in your gums, and this is normal. Give your gums some time to adjust, and they will become accustomed to it in a matter of days.

Bleeding Gums

If you floss and notice bleeding, this could be an indication that your gums are inflamed. Keep up the careful flossing; if the bleeding does not stop, seek an appointment with your orthodontic specialist for assistance.

Learning how to floss with braces properly requires dedication and persistence, so don't let flossing difficulties get you down; these simple remedies will have you back on track!

Expert Guidance at Smart Orthodontics

At Smart Orthodontics, we understand that no two smiles are the same. That is why we take the time to get to know you, your unique needs, and the goals you have in mind. With our personalized approach, rest assured that your treatment plan is customized just for you.

Reach out to us and prepare for a significant improvement in the dental care you will have!

Conclusion

Flossing with braces might seem overwhelming initially, but you can maintain top-notch oral hygiene with the right tools and techniques. Take a deep breath, embrace the routine, and soon, flossing will be as effortless as riding a bike.

FAQs

Is it ever too late to start flossing?

If you have never flossed, it is never too late to start. Many people begin flossing once their dentist suggests it to treat an oral health issue. After they are accustomed to it, it can quickly become routine.

Can we skip flossing for one day?

Flossing, as previously said, scrapes plaque from the surface of your teeth. If you don’t floss, plaque and tartar will accumulate, which might contribute to periodontal/gum disease.

Does our breath stink if we don't floss?

This bacteria buildup can indicate that you are not brushing and flossing well enough, and food particles left in your teeth and gums may feed the germs that cause halitosis. This is especially true for youngsters as they grow older.

Can mouthwash be used instead of flossing?

While mouthwash can soften existing damage and prevent new plaque from forming, it cannot eliminate present bacteria. Only brushing and flossing can accomplish this, so do them daily.

What is the minimum age to floss?

Generally, it is preferable to start flossing as soon as your child's teeth grow to fit tightly together, commonly occurring between the ages of two and six.

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