Are you having a hard time flossing with braces? These tips will help.
If you wear braces, it is vital to floss every day and brush at least twice per day to remove food particles that can be caught with brackets or wires, and to eliminate any sugar and bacteria from your teeth. Here are some dental strategies for those that wear braces:
Flossing With Braces
It can be difficult to use traditional floss with braces because the floss struggles to slide between the teeth. Consider using a floss threader which allows you to pass the floss over or under dental appliances, including bridges, permanent retainer, and braces.
Once the floss has been guided between a tooth junction, remove the floss threader and gently run the floss back and forth between teeth – and up and down from the gum line. While the process is slower than traditional flossing, it’s certainly worth the effort.
Always use waxed floss with braces – which is less likely to get caught within dental appliances. They also come in minty flavors to enhance the flossing experience.
Use an Interdental Brush
To clean food particles from under the wires and from around the brackets, an interdental brush (or orthodontic brush) features small V-shaped bristles that can reach between brackets and into places where a regular toothbrush can’t go.
These brushes are great to travel with as a floss substitute and available in a range of sizes to fit tight spaces or large gaps in people’s teeth.
Waterpik Flossing
Investing in a Waterpik is a good idea for flushing bacteria and food from places that are difficult to brush and hard to reach with floss. Leftover food in teeth can quickly be removed by force of water pressure using a Waterpik. The massaging action also soothes irritated gums and eases inflammation.
You will find Waterpik styles from portable and cordless to countertop models that are self-cleaning. Waterpiks are effective at removing plaque and are ideal for braces and implants.
Stay in the habit of flossing every day when wearing braces – even though it takes longer than traditional flossing, you’ll have a brighter smile and fresher breath!
