When you have braces, it can take some time to adjust to the changes. One of the challenging aspects of braces is flossing your teeth. Many individuals cannot figure out how to maneuver the floss and dislodge food particles with the orthodontic device getting in the way. If you neglect to floss, it can lead to dental health issues — so cleaning in between your teeth is a must!
But the question remains: how to floss with braces?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some effective methods to floss your teeth with braces. Make sure to read each technique and see what works for you!
4 Tips on How to Floss With Braces
Here are some ways to floss with braces:
- Dental Floss
Flossing is essential, whether you wear braces or not. After receiving braces, you may have trouble flossing your teeth. It is recommended to use waxed dental floss and floss more than once a day to maintain your oral hygiene. Here are the steps to floss with braces:- Cut 18” of the dental floss thread.
- Take one end of the floss and thread it between the wire and teeth.
- Now, pull the floss through the space and fold the ends around your index fingers.
- Gently apply slight pressure and insert the dental thread between your teeth. Make a ‘C’ shape to floss your gum line as well as the sides of the tooth.
- Pull the floss out and continue this process for every tooth until you are done.
- Dental Floss with Floss Threader
You can always use a floss threader to easily insert the floss between your teeth and the wires of the braces. It is a flexible plastic tool that has a large loop at the end of its handle. You can thread or tie the floss through the loop.
To floss teeth with braces, insert the handle end in the gap between your wire and teeth and pull the floss threader. Wait until it completely passes through and settles between the wire and teeth. Then, you can clean the area between your teeth as well as the gum line. Pull the dental floss out and repeat the steps on each individual tooth. - Water Flosser
If dental floss or flossing tape is not working for you, you can proceed with the more effective option: water flossing.
Yes, water flossing is an efficient way that directs a stream of water toward the teeth, removing any stuck particles. Fill the water in the waterpik’s machine reservoir. Then, attach the tapered tip and press to check the water flow. If it is how you prefer, lean over the sink and put the tip of the flosser in your mouth. Let the water drip out of your mouth as you floss.
Make sure to glide the water flosser along your gum line and between your teeth.
You can also opt for gentle brushing to loosen the trapped particles in your braces. Then, you can floss with braces in a more convenient way.
Conclusion
If you don’t know how to floss with braces, consult your dentist for the most suitable technique. Although it is challenging initially, you can get the hang of flossing with braces once you are accustomed to it. Dial (281) 376-4444 to benefit from the expertise of our skilled team at Village Park Family Dental, or visit us at 12617 Louetta Rd Suite #204 Cypress, TX 77429.