Flossing is one of the most important habits for maintaining excellent oral hygiene. It helps clean your teeth and protects your gums from the nasty diseases caused by plaque.
But if you have braces, you may find regular flossing to be a challenge.
But don’t stress! We’re here to help walk you through it.
Keep reading to learn all about flossing with braces and how to get it right. Let’s get started!
WHICH FLOSSING TOOLS ARE BEST?
Before you get started, it’s important that you select the right kind of floss. Look for a waxed dental floss or an option that advertises a smooth glide.
If you have braces, floss can easily catch on the metal components. Wax will reduce this risk.
If you prefer to use dental flossers for ease, look into purchasing a water flosser. These are the most effective kind of flossers for braces. A floss threader won’t help because you won’t be able to get it past the wire component of your braces.
FLOSSING WITH BRACES: HOW TO FLOSS LIKE A PRO
Once you have the perfect floss, it’s time to get started. Start by cutting off a piece that’s big enough to comfortably wrap around both hands. This will give you control while you’re getting the job done.
Thread the floss in between the wire brace and your teeth. (You’ll need to look in a mirror for this part!)
Once the floss is successfully threaded and can move freely, you’re ready to pull the floss in between whichever two teeth are nearest. Hold an end of the floss in each hand and slide it between the teeth.
Use the floss to scrub the space in between your teeth. If it feels like a tight squeeze, don’t worry, that’s totally normal.
While you’re flossing, keep in mind that you aren’t just removing food debris. You’re also removing plaque, which can be hard to see. So, even if you don’t feel like you’re helping, you are!
FLOSSING WITH INVISALIGN
If you’re lucky enough to have Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your smile, flossing is a breeze. Because Invisalign is removable, you can floss like normal.
But keep in mind that brushing and flossing should be a more frequent part of your daily routine if you wear aligners. Instead of brushing and flossing once in the morning and once at night, you’ll need to complete these steps after every meal or snack. Otherwise, the food and bacteria will get trapped in the aligners and cause damage to your teeth.
And for the best results, remember to floss before you brush. It helps make the whole process more efficient.
ENJOY YOUR NEW SMILE!
Flossing with braces can feel like a challenge. But if you use the tips above, you’ll be flossing like a pro in no time.
By regularly removing food debris and plaque from your teeth, you’ll keep your mouth clean and protected. Just remember to buy a waxed floss if you have wire braces, and to floss after every meal if you have Invisalign.
If you have any questions about dental care or would like to know more about our services, don’t hesitate to ask. Contact us anytime and we’d be happy to help.