Flossing is essential to the health of your teeth and gums. This is especially true when you’re wearing braces. Read on to learn some important tips on flossing with braces.
Below are 3 tips on flossing with braces:
Spend Three Times as long on your Oral Care
Be prepared to spend three times as long on your oral care while you have braces on your teeth. Don’t worry, it’s worth the time. If you don’t pay attention to oral hygiene while your teeth are being realigned, you increase your risk of gum disease. Plus, it can help your teeth look that much better when it’s finally time to get your braces removed. Source: OralB
Use the Right Tool
Using floss on teeth with braces is difficult and frustrating. Sliding the floss between the teeth above the wire is a bit like threading a needle. An orthodontic floss threader is an inexpensive and disposable tool available in nearly any store that sells toothbrushes and toothpaste. It is indispensable when flossing teeth with braces because it allows you to pull the floss through the teeth above the wire and reach the gum line. Source: Colgate
Use Waxed Floss if Possible
When you’re flossing with braces, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of metal pieces and corners to catch your floss on. Because of this, you’ll want to use thin wax-coated floss whenever you can. Unwaxed, thread-like floss is much more likely to get stuck in your braces. The amount of floss you should use can vary slightly based on the size of your mouth and your hands. Most dental resources recommend a piece about 12-18 inches long. Source: WikiHow
Hopefully these tips we’ll be able to assist you in keeping your teeth’s health while wearing braces. If you would like to learn more or find out if orthodontic treatment is right for you, please give us a call.
Contact:
Lakewood Orthodontics
721 NE Lakewood Blvd
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
(816) 373-0300