Braces come with some adjustments – from cutting out certain foods to learning how to floss around them. The good news is that these are minor changes, especially when the “reward” is straight teeth and a beautiful smile! With that said, there are a few ways you can make the process of cleaning between your teeth less of a hassle. To learn more about flossing with braces, read on.
First, Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
Are you still using traditional floss? If that’s your preferred product, that’s certainly okay. However, if you find it tedious and cumbersome, it’s important to know that there are other options! Oral irrigators, like WaterPik, allow you to clean along your gumline and between your teeth with a steady stream of water. Plus, many brands offer special, tapered tips for patients with braces, which makes the process even more seamless and effective. In short, if you’re finding that flossing is difficult, ask your orthodontist about your options.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Flossing with Braces
Remember, flossing doesn’t have to be a hassle. While the steps will vary depending on the type of floss you prefer, here are a few steps to follow to make the process as easy as possible:
- Rinse. Swish some clean water around in your mouth to dislodge loose food particles and plaque.
- Floss. If you have an oral irrigator, fill up the water reservoir and attach the appropriate tip. Turn on the water flow and guide the stream along your gumline and between each tooth. To keep water from going everywhere, keep your lips closed. If you’re using traditional floss, guide the string between the wire and gently push the floss between each tooth. Make sure to clean along both sides of the tooth and underneath the gumline in the process.
- Check your teeth in the mirror. Before putting away your flossing tools, take a look in the mirror and see if any lingering food particles are stuck between your braces. If there are, rinse and repeat as needed.
5 Additional Oral Hygiene Best Practices with Braces
There is no denying the importance of flossing – it’s one of the best ways to prevent interproximal cavities (decay between the teeth)! To truly keep your teeth and gums in pristine condition, it’s important to also:
- Brush your teeth and brackets with a soft-bristled toothbrush after each meal.
- Get a dental cleaning every six months.
- Steer clear of crunchy fruits, hard candy, and other foods on your list of dietary restrictions.
- Avoid unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on ice and nail-biting.
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports (even non-contact ones).
The next time you consider skipping flossing, remember that brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth. Plus, using the above tips will help make the process much easier!
About the Practice
One of our core beliefs at Super Braces of Lawrence is providing super value. While that certainly includes personalized treatment plans and affordable payment options, it also means we happily share all of our tips and tricks for a positive and smooth treatment. If you have a question about how to keep your oral health in pristine condition with braces or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (978) 794-0000.