Unsure how to floss with braces in Overland Park, KS? Effective flossing is crucial to maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. A floss threader or orthodontic floss helps you thread the floss under the archwire, giving you access to every tooth. Though it requires more time, it reduces the risk of plaque buildup, decay, and gum inflammation.
Read on to find out the importance and technique of flossing with braces.
Why Flossing Is Important During Orthodontic Care
Braces do a great job of straightening teeth, but they also make cleaning more difficult. Brackets and wires create small, hard-to-reach spaces where food debris, plaque, and bacteria can gather. When plaque builds up near the gumline, it can cause gum disease, cavities, and even tooth decay.
Flossing with braces protects your teeth and gums from these problems. As Dr. Michael Vracar, a patient-focused orthodontist in Tallahassee, FL, explains, daily flossing with braces clears the sticky film between teeth so your smile stays strong during treatment, not just after it. It also keeps your orthodontic appliances clean, helping them work more effectively.
Tools That Make Flossing with Braces Easier
Using the proper tools can make flossing much easier. Here are some recommended options to streamline your flossing routine:
1. Floss Threaders
A floss threader helps guide floss under the archwire of your braces. This simple tool makes it easier to clean between your teeth and brackets. Many orthodontic offices, including Lenius Orthodontics, provide floss threaders to make flossing smoother for patients.
2. Water Flossers (Oral Irrigators)
A water flosser uses a jet of water to clean plaque and food particles from tight spaces around your brackets and wires. It’s perfect for those who struggle with regular flossing or need a gentler alternative. According to Dr. Granit Morina, a skilled orthodontist in Gardner, MA, water flossers are ideal for patients with sensitive gums or those looking for an easy way to clean brackets and tight spaces.
3. Orthodontic Floss
Orthodontic floss is thicker than normal floss, making it easier to thread under braces’ wires. Pair this floss with threaders to clean your teeth thoroughly.
4. Superfloss
Superfloss has a spongy texture that reaches hard-to-clean areas your toothbrush might miss. It’s ideal for cleaning wires, brackets, and along the gumline.
5. Floss Picks and Interdental Brushes
Floss picks and small interdental brushes are designed to clean between teeth and around braces in a quick and easy way. These tools help remove plaque buildup and food particles stuck in tight spaces.
Where to Find These Flossing Tools
You can purchase these flossing tools at most drugstores in Overland Park, online retailers, or even at orthodontic practices like Lenius Orthodontics. Many orthodontic offices offer starter kits with everything you need to keep your braces clean and your teeth healthy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flossing with Braces
Flossing with braces takes a small learning curve, but these steps will guide you:
1. Get Your Floss Ready
Cut about 18 inches of floss and thread it through a floss threader. Insert the threader under the archwire of your braces and pull the floss gently through.
2. Clean Between Teeth
Wrap the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape. Gently slide it up and down along the gumline to remove food debris and plaque. Repeat for all your teeth, threading the floss under the wire each time.
3. Use a Water Flosser for Extra Cleaning
Sometimes, regular floss might not reach certain spots. A water flosser can clean these hard-to-reach areas. Direct the stream between teeth, near brackets, and around the gumline. Adjust the pressure to make it gentle if your gums feel sensitive.
4. Finish by Brushing Carefully
After flossing, brush your teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use small, circular motions to clean thoroughly along your brackets, wires, and gumline. Avoid rough brushing, which could damage your braces.
Special Tips for Different Types of Braces
Not all braces are cared for the same way. Here are some tips for cleaning different types of braces:
- Metal Braces: Thread floss carefully under the wires to clean each tooth.
- Clear Braces (Ceramic Braces): Gentle flossing helps avoid damaging these more delicate brackets.
- Lingual Braces: These braces attach to the back of your teeth. Using a water flosser can make cleaning them much easier.
- Self-Ligating Braces: These braces need less maintenance, but regular flossing will still promote gum health.
Flossing Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While flossing with braces might seem challenging at first, here are some easy ways to handle common problems:
1. Sensitive Gums
Gums might feel tender when you start flossing, especially if you’re not used to it. Use warm saltwater rinses to soothe irritation, and choose floss designed for sensitive gums. Over time, your gums will get stronger and less sore as they adapt to daily flossing. Try to floss gently in slow motions to avoid extra pressure.
2. Hard-to-Reach Spots
Interdental brushes or a water flosser can help you clean tight spaces under wires or between teeth. These tools make it easier to reach areas that regular floss can’t. Move them slowly around your brackets and wires to clear away food bits and plaque. Using them daily helps keep your mouth fresh and prevents buildup that can lead to gum problems.
3. Trouble Handling Floss
For people who find flossing too hard to manage, floss picks or a water flosser offer a simpler solution. These options are easy to hold and save time during your brushing routine. They’re great for kids, teens, or adults with limited hand movement.
Expert Care at Lenius Orthodontics
At Lenius Orthodontics, we provide personalized care to help our patients succeed with their braces treatment. Our team offers guidance and tools for an effective flossing routine.
Here’s What We Offer:
- Hands-On Flossing Demonstrations: Learn how to floss with braces during your clinic visits.
- Starter Kits: We provide helpful kits that include floss threaders, orthodontic floss, and other tools.
- Professional Support: Need help managing cleaning challenges like broken wires or gum swelling? We’re here for you.
Healthy Habits After Your Braces Are Removed
Once your braces come off, it’s still important to maintain your oral hygiene routine. Here are some simple ways to protect your new smile:
- Wear Your Retainer: Retainers stop your teeth from shifting back to their old positions. Wear them as directed.
- Keep Flossing Daily: Even without braces, flossing prevents plaque and cavities.
- Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year: Routine visits keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy.
Start Improving Your Flossing Routine Today
Flossing with braces doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tools, techniques, and practice, you can keep your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your orthodontic treatment on track. At Lenius Orthodontics, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more about braces care and ask us any questions about your orthodontic treatment.
About The Author
Dr. Jeffrey Lenius – Orthodontist in Overland Park, KS
Dr. Granit Morina – Orthodontist in Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip a day of flossing with braces?
Skipping flossing might seem easier with all the wires and brackets, but daily flossing is key. It keeps your teeth and gums healthy and removes food trapped in tricky spots. Missing a day can leave plaque and debris behind, which could lead to cavities or gum problems.
What happens if you brush your teeth for less than 2 minutes?
Brushing for under two minutes may leave plaque in small crevices, making your cleaning less effective. This increases the risk of cavities and gum issues, and your fluoride toothpaste won’t fully protect your enamel. Stick to the full two minutes to keep your teeth strong and your smile bright!
What happens if I don’t brush my teeth every day with braces?
Skipping brushing with braces can let food and plaque build up around your brackets and wires. This can cause stained teeth, bad breath, cavities, and gum problems like gingivitis. Plaque left too long may also lead to white spots on your teeth.
