One concern people who wear braces may have is how to floss their teeth. Is flossing your teeth possible with braces? Our orthodontists at Langley Orthodontics explain the best ways to floss your teeth with braces.
How to Floss Teeth With Braces
When it comes to flossing your teeth with braces, you have a few options to choose from. You can use traditional dental floss, a floss threader, Superfloss, a water flosser, or dental tape. Each option has its benefits, and it may just come down to personal preference. To help you find the best way to floss your teeth, our orthodontists have shared some information regarding each choice.
Traditional Flossing
Flossing while wearing braces means that you will have to adopt a slightly new flossing technique compared to when you didn't have them.
Start by gently threading the floss under the main wire of your braces, making sure to securely hold both ends of the floss. Then, carefully slide the floss up and down between two teeth, using a gentle sawing motion to remove any food particles or plaque.
Once you have cleaned between those two teeth, move on to the next pair and repeat the process. Remember to be patient and take your time while flossing with braces to avoid damaging any wires or brackets. The process will take a bit longer than flossing without braces, but it is important to continue to floss your teeth, and your braces, throughout treatment.
A Floss Threader
These helpful flossing tools make it easier to effectively remove food and plaque from your teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. Not only can it be tricky to clean difficult-to-reach areas, but braces can end up fraying the floss and force you to start over.
If you're wondering how to floss with braces with a floss threader, you'll start by threading the floss through the loop of the threader. Then, carefully guide the threader under the wire of your braces, between two teeth. Once in position, pull the floss through and remove the threader. Gently move the floss up and down along each tooth, making sure to reach below the gumline.
Repeat this process for each tooth, while using a clean section of floss each time. It is important to be patient and make sure you're thoroughly cleaning each tooth.
A Water Flosser
If you have tried a floss threader and don't think it's right for you, you may be wondering, 'How to floss with braces without a threader?'. You might want to consider a water flosser as an alternative tool to help remove bacteria from your teeth.
You'll start by filling the water flosser's reservoir with warm water and attaching the orthodontic tip. Next, position the tip between your teeth and along the gum line, allowing the pulsating water to remove any food particles or plaque on your teeth.
Move the tip along each tooth, making sure to reach all areas around your braces. Finally, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining debris.
Superfloss
A piece of Superfloss has three parts that include a straight, stiff end, a soft and spongy middle portion, and normal floss on the other end.
If you're not sure how to use Superfloss with braces, there are two steps to follow. To start, you will pass the stiff, straight end of the floss under the wire of your braces, between two teeth. You will then slip the regular floss end carefully between the two teeth and floss up and down in a C-shape against each tooth. Repeat these steps between each tooth.
Dental Tape
Dental tape is a type of floss that is wider and flatter than traditional dental floss. This floss is typically made from nylon wax and is designed to clean between teeth and along the gumline. Dental tape can be a very useful tool when it comes to removing plaque and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Dental tape may be more comfortable for individuals with wider gaps between their teeth, or for those who tend to have sensitive gums.
To begin, cut a piece of dental tape that is about 18 inches long. Gently thread the tape under the main wire of your braces, making sure to avoid applying too much pressure to prevent any damage. Then, carefully slide the tape between two teeth and move it up and down in a sawing motion to remove any plaque or food particles.
Repeat this process for each tooth, using a fresh section of dental tape as needed. Finally, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash to ensure all debris is removed and keep your oral health at a good level.