Flossing with braces can be a challenging task, but it is an important step in maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Braces can make it difficult to clean food and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line, where it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing helps to remove these particles and prevent these conditions.
Flossing with braces is a crucial part of maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. It may take some time to become comfortable with the process, but the benefits of removing food and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line make it well worth the effort.
It is recommended to floss once a day, preferably before bedtime, to remove any food particles that have accumulated during the day. It is also important to continue brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to use an antiseptic mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential to maintaining good oral hygiene.
It may take some time and practice to become proficient at flossing with braces, but it is worth the effort. Proper flossing can help to prevent cavities and gum disease, ensure that teeth are clean and healthy, and promote proper tooth alignment during orthodontic treatment.
How To Floss With Braces?
Braces can make it difficult to clean certain areas of the mouth, but with the right techniques and tools, it is possible to floss effectively. Here are some ways to floss with braces and how to use these methods:
Floss threader
A floss threader is a small tool used to help floss around braces. It consists of a small loop attached to a thin piece of plastic or nylon that helps thread floss behind braces and into the spaces between teeth. The floss threader makes it possible to clean these hard-to-reach areas, where food and plaque can easily build up, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
To use a floss threader with braces, follow these steps:
- Take a piece of floss and thread it through the loop in the floss threader.
- Hold the floss threader in one hand and gently insert it behind the wire of your braces, positioning the loop over one of the teeth.
- Gently pull the floss through the loop and down behind the wire, towards the gum line.
- Move the floss up and down along the side of the tooth to remove any food or plaque that may have accumulated there.
- Repeat the process for each tooth, making sure to clean between every tooth and along the gum line.
Water flosser
A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, is a device that uses a stream of water to clean the spaces between teeth and along the gum line.
To use a water flosser, follow these steps:
- Fill the water tank with lukewarm water and add a drop of mouthwash if desired.
- Select the appropriate tip for your needs and attach it to the water flosser.
- Turn on the device and adjust the water pressure to a comfortable level.
- Place the tip in your mouth and aim the stream of water at the spaces between your teeth, along the gum line, and at any areas that are hard to reach.
- Move the tip slowly and gently in a back-and-forth motion, making sure to clean all areas thoroughly.
- Repeat the process for each quadrant of your mouth, taking care to clean every tooth and along the gum line.
- When finished, turn off the device and rinse the tip with water.
Interdental brush
An interdental brush is a small, thin brush designed to clean the spaces between teeth, particularly where a toothbrush and floss may not reach effectively.
To use an interdental brush, follow these steps:
- Choose an interdental brush with a size that fits the spaces between your teeth.
- Hold the handle of the brush and gently insert the bristles into the space between two teeth.
- Move the brush back and forth a few times to clean the area thoroughly.
- Repeat the process for each space between your teeth, making sure to clean every tooth and along the gum line.
- After brushing, rinse your mouth with water and the interdental brush with water to remove any debris.
Proxy brush
A proxy brush is a small brush with a short handle and a bristle head that resembles a bottle brush. To use a proxy brush, follow these steps:
- Take a proxy brush and insert the bristles into the space between the braces and the teeth.
- Gently rotate the brush to clean the sides of each tooth.
- Use light pressure to avoid damaging the braces.
- Repeat this process for each pair of teeth that are touching.
Floss Pick
A floss pick is a disposable tool that has a piece of floss attached to a plastic handle. It is a convenient and easy-to-use alternative to traditional flossing methods, especially for people who have trouble using traditional flossing methods.
- To use a floss pick, follow these steps:
- Take a floss pick and hold it between your thumb and index finger.
- Gently guide the floss between the teeth, making sure to go under the wire of the braces.
- Move the floss up and down against the side of each tooth to remove food particles and plaque.
- Repeat the process between each tooth, making sure to floss both sides of each tooth.
- Discard the used floss pick and repeat the process with a new pick if necessary.
How Frequently To Floss?
It is recommended to floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. Flossing at night can help remove food particles and plaque that have accumulated during the day and prevent them from staying on the teeth and gums overnight.
However, some people may need to floss more frequently, especially after meals or snacks, if they consume foods that are more likely to get stuck in their braces or between their teeth. In such cases, it is best to floss as soon as possible after eating to prevent the buildup of plaque and food particles.
Conclusion
Regular flossing, in conjunction with brushing and regular dental check-ups, is essential to keep teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces. If you have any questions or concerns about flossing with braces, it is best to consult with your dentist or orthodontist for personalized advice and guidance.