How do I floss if I have braces?
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Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:The American Dental Association recommends that everyone, including people with braces, should floss at least once every day. Flossing with braces is harder, especially because wires can block the floss. But there is a way to do it. It might take more time, but getting in between your teeth is possible. To get down deep enough, you can string the piece of floss under the wire first, then gently pull the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. There are some special floss products that make this job easier. One type of product is called a floss threader. Your orthodontist can show you how best to floss.The American Dental Association recommends that everyone, including people with braces, should floss at least once every day. Flossing with braces is harder, especially because wires can block the floss. But there is a way to do it. It might take... More -
Carol Jahn answered:One of the very best products for people of any age with braces is an oral irrigator/water flosser. This product will get where no toothbrush or string of dental floss possibly can. Not only will it help remove trapped food and debris it is clinically proven to remove plaque and reduce bleeding. The product now comes with a tip designed to help clean around brackets. Your mouth will feel cleaner, your breath fresher, and your gums will stay healthy.One of the very best products for people of any age with braces is an oral irrigator/water flosser. This product will get where no toothbrush or string of dental floss possibly can. Not only will it help remove trapped food and debris it is... More -
Dr. Stephen Simpson answered:There are several ways to floss with braces on your teeth, but I have found that my patients are most satisfied and least frustrated when they utilize a floss threader as an adjunct to their flossing technique. A floss threader is a small piece of plastic filament with a loop at one end that can be used like a soft sewing needle to pass the floss under/over the orthodontic arch wire and between the teeth, where a typical flossing motion can then occur. Although time consuming, this is an excellent way to keep the interproximal surfaces of the teeth clean and the gingival tissue in this area stimulated and healthy. A floss threader can be obtained from your dentist/orthodontist or from most drug stores- be sure to read the directions carefully before initiating use.
There are several ways to floss with braces on your teeth, but I have found that my patients are most satisfied and least frustrated when they utilize a floss threader as an adjunct to their flossing technique. A floss threader is a small piece of... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Flossing with braces can be difficult and time consuming, but it is important. The teeth must be flossed under the archwire. This is accomplished by using a floss threader or floss that has a rigid end. The floss is passed under the archwire. The floss in wrapped around the tooth in front going under the gum and back up, and then the floss in wrapped around the tooth behind going under the gum and back up. Flossing removes the dental plaque which can cause cavities and gingivitis.Flossing with braces can be difficult and time consuming, but it is important. The teeth must be flossed under the archwire. This is accomplished by using a floss threader or floss that has a rigid end. The floss is passed under the archwire. The... More
