Braces can be an important long-term investment, ensuring straight teeth and a beautiful, confident smile. In the short term, however, braces can create some complications, including challenges with everyday oral hygiene.
One of the clearest examples of this is flossing. While braces do not eliminate the need for flossing, they do make flossing a bit harder to do. Your orthodontic professional should provide some specific guidelines for how to floss with braces, but in the meantime, here are some general tips.
Guidelines for Flossing with Braces
Use Orthodontic Floss or a Floss Threader
First and foremost, recognize that regular floss may get stuck in your braces, making it necessary to invest in some specialized supplies. Get a floss threader, which is a flexible tool designed to help you pass floss beneath wires and between brackets. Alternatively, ask your orthodontist about special flosses that are made to be used with braces.
Take Some Time
The simple reality of having braces is that day-to-day oral hygiene is going to take a few extra minutes. Allow yourself extra time to floss and be patient with the process. Remember that any food particles you leave between the teeth can cause plaque, bacterial build-up, infection, and decay. It is surely worth taking the time to avoid these outcomes.
Floss in Front of a Mirror
Sometimes, it can be challenging to find the right position for holding your floss. Standing in front of a mirror can help, allowing you to tilt your head at different angles and see how you need to position the floss to reach under wires and brackets.
Try to Floss After Every Meal
Allowing food particles to build up is only going to make flossing more difficult. Stay on top of things by trying to devote some time to floss after every single meal.
Talk with Your Orthodontist
If you are struggling, remember that you can always talk with your orthodontic professional. Your orthodontist may be able to provide you with some better techniques, or even recommend specialized equipment (such as interdental brushes, water flossers, or proxy brushes) that can improve your oral health routines.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation at Children’s Dental FunZone
At Children’s Dental FunZone, we are proud to provide a full spectrum of oral health solutions for kids and adolescents, including on-site orthodontic care. To learn more about orthodontic treatments, or to ask questions about caring for your child’s teeth while they have braces, reach out for a consultation today.
