How do you floss your teeth with braces on?

Flossing your teeth with braces as you can imagine, is a little difficult. An orthodontic floss threader, however, can be helpful. It is basically a little plastic string with a collapsible loop on one end. You start by carefully putting the waxed floss through the loop and pull it through underneath the wire. The floss then goes gently between the teeth and the gum. The stiffer side makes insertion easier to floss with braces. You then cover the floss around one tooth in the shape of the letter “C.” Once it’s placed, slide it up and down on the tooth surface to remove any particles that maybe lying between the teeth. As usual, pull it through for easier flossing. Repeat with each tooth, but remember not to snap the floss.

It is advisable to thread the floss down from the top teeth, and up from the lower teeth, not towards your lips, but your tongue. Slight bleeding may occur around your gums as a result of tissue inflammation and irritation from food remains. This signifies that flossing is needed. Regular flossing will stop bleeding and tissue redness. Floss daily for good oral hygiene.

Flossing molars can also be done, but it is more challenging and needs patience. You may need to twist your mouth and face to make room and guide the threader with your fingers. This may take a little practice and will require both hands. Some use tweezers to make it easy. The tweezers however, must be kept only for this purpose and be disinfected after use.

If your brackets are close to the gum line flossing under the wire and gum tissue is even more important. With braces, it is generally difficult to floss because the arch wire and other orthodontic appliances cause an obstruction. Some manage to get the floss under the wire without the floss threader, which works fine. The process becomes easier with time. Rinse your mouth with water once you have finished flossing. Floss every night to prevent decay, infection and swollen gum tissues. Cleaning between your teeth with floss is necessary because the bristles of a toothbrush cannot make contact beneath the wires.

Your efforts will be rewarded like a “Gift” to yourself with a bright and beautiful smile with cleaner teeth and healthier gums. Meeting a cosmetic dentist with the expertise and knowledge of the latest techniques can open doors and opportunities in your life, don’t miss out on what many claim is a life changing event.

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