How to Floss with Braces?

All dentists recommend flossing to maintain good oral hygiene. It helps to remove all the accumulated plaque around the gum linings and teeth that can cause cavities and other gum diseases. With proper flossing, you can remove these from those subtle gaps present between the teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. 

If you have just got your braces, your doctor will surely recommend you to floss regularly. This is because the buildup of plaque and other kinds of accumulation that can cause cavities and gum diseases increases when you have braces on. 

Hence, if you’re already investing in braces to straighten your teeth, then why not ensure that you take care of your teeth side by side and keep it clean and healthy? If you’re wondering what can be the best method to floss and want to know alternatives too, then this guide will surely help you. 

Methods of flossing using braces:

Floss Threader: A floss threader resembles a thread in a needle. While the thread acts like your floss, the floss threader will act as the needle. This is one of the most inexpensive forms of floss and can be reused several times before you decide to buy a new pack. As this method of flossing is a conventional one, you will not require special tools for flossing. It might be difficult for kids to use this technique as it needs some practice. 

Dental Floss: This is the most common type of floss that people without and with braces use. It uses waxed or unwaxed nylon threads. It is advisable to use the waxed version as they are thicker and are unlikely to get stuck on your braces. Dental flosses with broad and spongy length will help you cover a greater surface area too.  

Interdental Brushes: These brushes are composed of small bristles that can easily enter places where normal toothbrushes cannot. Hence, any food or plaque accumulated can easily be removed using this flossing method. You will need to move it back and forth just like a toothbrush but without using toothpaste on it. Hence, it is one of the hassle-free ways to floss when you have your braces on as they do not hurt your gums. You can use these interdental Brushes with water alone. 

Platypus Orthodontic Flosser: If you want to use flosses without threads, then the platypus Orthodontic Flosser will come handy. It’s one of the easiest ways to floss with braces. The narrower end can fit behind the arch wire and help you floss in minutes. Hence, it is best for younger kids with braces. 

Water Flosser: These water flossers are by far the best and easiest ways of flossing while having your braces on. It sprays water in the gaps of your teeth with force and removes the accumulation of plaque and food. It removes all food particles stuck around the wires and brackets. If you do not like using the tedious method of flossing, then water Flossers will come to your rescue.

If you have just got your braces fixed and still do not know how to floss, it is best to take help from your dentist. If you have hurt your gums while flossing too, your dentist will guide you better with this. Hence, schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the problems fixed on time!