How often do you floss? Studies suggest that only 1/3 of Americans floss as often as they should. Unfortunately, wearing traditional braces can make this unpopular oral health habit even more of a challenge! While cleaning between your wires and brackets may not be your favorite activity, it’s essential for keeping your smile healthy and your orthodontic treatment on track. Neglecting this healthy habit can easily lead to cavities, gum disease, and other issues that could make your treatment longer. Thankfully, flossing with braces may be easier than you think! Here are five tips for how to make flossing easier while getting a straighter smile.
1.) Start with Waxed Floss
Not all types of floss are created equal! As its name implies, waxed floss is covered in a thin layer of biocompatible wax. This allows it to slide between your teeth easier and more comfortably than plain floss. Additionally, it’s less likely to get snagged or frayed by your braces.
2.) Use a Floss Threader
In order to clean beneath your braces, you’ll need a floss threader. This small plastic thread with a loop on the end is sturdy enough to be guided under the wires and pull a piece of floss through to the other side, where you can grab it and floss as normal. This process needs to be done for each individual tooth, but it is the most effective way to clean the area of your smile that’s at the highest risk of oral health issues during your treatment.
3.) Try Floss Picks or Interdental Brushes
You might be surprised by how many orthodontic-specific tools are out there to make flossing easier! For example, orthodontic floss picks can help make maneuvering flossing in your mouth easier and less awkward. There are also interdental brushes, which are small brushes designed to fit between your braces and teeth for extra cleaning.
4.) Consider Investing in a Water Flosser
A water flosser or pick uses a thin steady stream of water to blast away particles in hard-to-clean areas. While this tool doesn’t contain any actual floss, it comes highly recommended by both patients and orthodontists alike for its effectiveness. Plus, the cool splash of water it provides can provide much-needed relief for sore gums and teeth.
5.) Start Using Mouthwash
If rinsing with mouthwash isn’t already a part of your daily dental routine, now is the best time to start! Mouthwash is an excellent way to clean out the last few particles that may have been left behind by regular brushing and flossing. What’s more, orthodontic-specific mouthwash will often contain minerals like fluoride to help keep the teeth strong and resistant to decay.
Flossing doesn’t have to be your favorite pastime, but it shouldn’t be complicated or frustrating. If you’re on your way to a straighter smile, keep these simple tips in mind when it comes to flossing with braces.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Holliston strives to help patients of all ages achieve the happy, healthy, and beautiful smiles they deserve. We’re proud to use the latest orthodontic treatments and techniques, which allow us to craft 100% personalized treatment plans for each unique smile. Plus, we’ll be with you every step of the way on your journey towards a new smile to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible! To learn more about flossing with braces, we can be contacted online or at (508) 429-7800.