How to Floss The Right Way When You’re on Braces

Photo by Tamaki Sono, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whether or not you have braces, flossing is a crucial part of the dental hygiene regimen that is often overlooked or skipped. What happens when you skip flossing? Plaque builds up between your teeth and along the gum line, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

When you make it a point to floss, you remove plaque, lower your risk of cavities, and help prevent gum disease. Flossing matters even more with braces because brackets and wires trap food and plaque. That buildup can also cause bad breath and swollen, bleeding gums.

With proper flossing, you get to keep bad breath at bay. If you’re wondering how you should properly floss when you have your braces on, we’re here to give you a few tips that are sure to help.

How to Floss with Braces

1- Floss on a Daily Basis

Before you learn how to floss around the brackets and wires of your braces, know that flossing every day is a must. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends flossing daily during treatment. Doing so helps you avoid cavities and gum problems during treatment and after your braces come off.

2- The Right Way

How well flossing works depends on how well you do it. The American Dental Association suggests breaking off about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around one middle finger and the rest around the middle finger of your other hand. Hold a short section tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

With braces, first thread the floss under the main wire (archwire), using a floss threader if needed. Then gently guide the floss between two teeth with a rubbing motion. Never snap it into the gums, as too much force can hurt them.

At the gum line, curve the floss into a "C" shape against one tooth and gently move it up and down. Repeat on the neighboring tooth, then pull the floss out, rethread it, and move to the next gap.

If your gums bleed a little, keep flossing gently rather than avoiding the area. Tell your dentist or orthodontist if bleeding continues.

3- The Type of Floss

Since flossing gets trickier when you have braces, you might want to consider options in flossing materials and tools to make the task easier. Waxed floss or dental tape slides more easily and is less likely to shred on brackets.

"Super floss" has a stiff end that threads under wires, a spongy section, and regular floss. Floss threaders and orthodontic flossers also help you get under the wire.

Interdental brushes can clean around brackets and under wires. A water flosser is another option some people with braces find helpful. Ask your orthodontist which tools suit you best.

HP Thoughts: A healthy smile, a good set of teeth, and a clean mouth are essential for proper oral and dental care. Know how these affect your overall appearance: How Do Your Teeth Affect the Rest of Your Face.

Conclusion:

Keeping your teeth clean while you wear braces is something you can never skip. A reliable orthodontist North Vancouver can show you how to floss with your braces. After that, it's up to you to floss every day so your teeth not only line up properly but also stay free of plaque.

Sources

• Flossing, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
• Swollen or Bleeding Gums with Braces: Causes and What to Do, American Association of Orthodontists