Maintaining oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but it becomes particularly important and challenging for individuals with braces. Orthodontists understand the challenges patients face while trying to keep teeth clean while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Good oral hygiene requires flossing, but braces can make it difficult. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you floss effectively with braces, ensuring your teeth remain healthy throughout your treatment.
Understanding the Importance of Flossing with Braces is crucial.
Food particles and plaque can become trapped in the numerous tiny spaces created by braces. This can lead to oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and decalcification (white spots on the teeth). These particles may become lodged between your teeth and beneath your gums, beyond the reach of your toothbrush. Flossing will help get rid of them.
Tools you’ll need
Flossing with braces requires some additional tools to make the process easier and more effective. Here are some recommended tools:
- Orthodontic floss threaders: If you have braces, you can use these small, bendable tools to help you thread floss behind the wire attached to your braces.
- Waxed floss: It slides between teeth more easily and is less likely to catch on braces.
- Superfloss: This kind of floss has a stiff end for threading under your wire, a spongy end for cleaning around appliances, and a regular floss end.
- Water flossers: They aren’t a substitute for flossing, but they can be a great addition because they help get rid of food particles and plaque.
- Interdental Brushes: Also known as Christmas Tree Brushes. These small brushes can fit between the wires and teeth, effectively cleaning areas that might be difficult to reach with regular floss.
Step-by-Step Flossing Guide
Preparing your floss
Cut an 18-inch piece of waxed dental floss to begin.
Use a Floss Threader
You should use an orthodontic floss threader to put normal floss through. Put the floss threader under your braces’ main wire and pull the floss through. This makes it easier to get the floss behind the braces’ wire.
Floss between your teeth.
Slide the floss slowly between your teeth once it’s behind the wire. When flossing, go below the gum line and move the floss up and down against the side of each tooth. Watch out not to break the floss, because that could hurt your gums.
Move on to the next tooth.
Remove the floss from one tooth by sliding it out toward you, and use the threader to move on to the next gap. Don’t forget to clean both sides of each tooth, as well as under the gumline. Do this for each tooth. If the floss gets stuck on a brace, don’t yank it out! Look closely in a mirror and untangle it first.
Clean around brackets and wires
Use an interdental brush between your teeth and near them to clean around the brackets and wires of your braces. These tools can reach areas that traditional floss might overlook, effectively eliminating any trapped plaque or food particles.
Supplementing Your Flossing Routine
Although flossing is essential, you can further improve your oral hygiene by implementing the following basic practices:
- Brushing: Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. To properly clean the area surrounding brackets and wires, you can use either a traditional toothbrush, or you may use an electric toothbrush fitted with an orthodontic head or a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Rinsing: Use fluoride or an antimicrobial mouthwash to help fight plaque and strengthen your teeth.
- Frequent Dental Visits: Keep up with routine cleanings and examinations at both the dentist and orthodontist. They will monitor your dental health and provide additional cleaning supplies and methods.
Overcoming Common Challenges When Flossing with Braces
Procedure: Although flossing while wearing braces can be time-consuming, the health benefits significantly outweigh the time investment. As with all things, flossing with braces gets faster and more effective with practice.
If you have difficulty reaching certain locations, you may want to add interdental brushes or a water flosser to your usual flossing routine.
Gum Bleeding: If you experience bleeding gums when you first begin flossing with braces, this could indicate the presence of gingivitis (inflammation brought on by plaque accumulation). Over time, regular flossing will contribute to better gum health and reduced inflammation. If the bleeding persists, consult your orthodontist.
The Importance of Flossing with Braces for Optimal Oral Health and a Beautiful Smile
Flossing with braces may require extra effort, but it is a crucial step in maintaining optimal oral health during orthodontic treatment. By employing appropriate tools and techniques, you can maintain the health of your teeth and gums, paving the way for a fabulous smile after the removal of your braces. Remember, your orthodontist is always here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice or a demonstration during your visits.
