Braces are often regarded as this magical contraption that can fix your crooked teeth — and somewhere along the lines, that’s true! Dental braces work like a charm. You just have to trust the process and give your teeth enough time to move in place. However, since braces use a metal wire to reposition the teeth, taking care of your oral hygiene can sometimes be a nuisance. While brushing your teeth may not be as difficult, flossing can be a complicated nightmare. That is why in this blog, we have detailed all the steps on how to floss with braces so you can easily follow along and keep your dental health top-notch.
Can You Floss While Wearing Braces?
Flossing is an essential part of your oral hygiene. It might be tricky to floss normally with braces on, but it isn’t impossible. In fact, there are numerous alternatives to traditional dental floss you can use instead, such as floss threads, waxed floss, floss pick, or a water flosser for easy access.
Moreover, if opting for regular floss, make sure you’re using waxed floss, as that prevents the thread from getting shredded by the metal braces.
How To Floss With Braces: A Step-by-Step Guide
Can’t figure out how to thread the floss between your braces-covered teeth? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! It’s no surprise that flossing is hard, but as long as you handle it with patience and give it enough time, you’ll eventually be able to do it in a fraction of the time!
All you have to do is follow the steps mentioned below and take one step at a time.
Step 1:
Start by carefully brushing your teeth so that you are left with a clean surface. Use an interdental brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush for the best results.
Step 2:
Once your teeth are plaque-free, grab a 20cm string of waxed floss and a floss threader. Gently thread the floss inside the floss threader so the two are looped together. Also, make sure the end of the floss is wrapped tightly around your fingers.
Step 3:
Slowly poke the pointy end of the floss threader through the gap between the metal wire and your teeth. Pull the threader down until the floss is safely behind the wires.
Step 4:
Tilt the floss so that it slips between your teeth. Carefully make a “C” shape, wrapping the floss around the tooth.
Step 5:
Start pulling the floss so that it slips beneath the gum line and cleans away any remnants of food or bacteria.
Step 6:
When you’re done with one tooth, move on to the next tooth and use a fresh portion of the floss to work with. Repeat the steps until all your teeth are carefully cleaned.
Final Takeaway
To sum it up, flossing is a crucial step in your day-to-day oral hygiene routine. It is important to keep your teeth and gums free of bacteria so you can get the best results from wearing braces. If normal floss is hard to work with, choose an alternative to make things slightly easier. You can also contact DentaLand Dentistry at (832) 674-8377 to ask how to floss with braces or to get any other information related to braces. Or, if you’d prefer to visit us in person, you can find us at 5003 Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77084, located near Subway.