How do I floss with braces?
Flossing during braces treatment is essential for preventing cavities, gum disease, and keeping your timeline on track. While you can use traditional floss, utilizing a floss threader or water flosser will help streamline the process.
Traditional Floss
Teeth with braces can be flossed using regular dental floss, though it’s a little more time-consuming. For the best results, follow these steps:
Use waxed floss that won’t tear and get stuck in the brackets of your braces.
Cut a piece of floss that is long enough (18-24 inches).
Carefully thread the floss between the wire and your teeth.
Wrap the floss around your index fingers.
Move the floss between the teeth, sliding along both sides of the tooth and scraping off the plaque.
Gently remove the floss from beneath the wire.
Thread the floss through the next bracket and repeat the process.
Floss Threader
To quicken the process of flossing with regular dental floss, use a floss threader. A floss threader is a small plastic tool that makes it easier to pull the floss through the brackets. You can ask your orthodontist for samples. To use a floss threader:
Thread the floss through the loop in the threader.
Stick the plastic needle underneath the wire and pull the floss over the bracket.
Floss as normal.
Gently remove the floss from between the teeth and under the bracket.
Repeat the process.
Water Flossers
Water flossers or oral irrigators are tools that use a stream of water to remove plaque and bacteria between the teeth and from the gumline. To use a water flosser:
Ensure the water pressure is to your liking.
Guide the stream of water along the gumline and between each of your teeth.
Repeat this process on the back of the teeth.
Need a Demonstration?
Ask us to demonstrate these techniques at your next appointment at Oasis Kids Dental and Orthodontics.