Picture this: you've just had braces put on to achieve that perfect smile you've always dreamed of. While you're excited about the transformation that lies ahead, you quickly realize that maintaining oral hygiene with braces can be quite challenging. With wires and brackets complicating your daily routine, it's crucial to find the best dental floss for braces to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various options available and help you choose the perfect dental floss for your braces.

The Importance of Dental Floss for Braces

Braces are designed to straighten your teeth and correct your bite, but they also create more nooks and crannies for food particles and plaque to hide.

Failing to properly clean your teeth while wearing braces can lead to a range of oral health issues, such as cavities, gum disease(gingivitis), and bad breath. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums and leads to redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing.

This is where dental floss for braces comes to the rescue. Regular flossing with the right product can help you remove food debris and plaque from those hard-to-reach places, ensuring your orthodontic journey is a success.

What to Look for in Dental Floss for Braces

When searching for the best dental floss for braces, there are several factors to consider:

1.Thickness

Dental floss comes in various thicknesses, from ultra-thin to thick. For braces, it's advisable to use a thicker floss, as it is less likely to shred or break when navigating through the wires and brackets.

2.Threader or built-in stiff end

Many brands offer dental floss with a built-in threader or a stiff end designed specifically for use with braces. These can make the flossing process much easier and more effective.

3.Wax-coated or uncoated

Wax-coated dental floss can glide more smoothly between braces, making it easier to maneuver. However, some individuals may prefer uncoated floss for a different sensation. It's a matter of personal preference.

4.Flavor and scent

Some dental floss products come in a variety of flavors or scents to make the flossing experience more enjoyable. While this isn't a necessity, it can be a nice bonus.

Top 8 Picks for Dental Floss for Braces

Now that we know what to look for in dental floss for braces let's dive into some of the best options available on the market.

Oral-B Super Floss

Oral-B Super Floss is a popular choice among individuals with braces. It combines three essential flossing components in one product: a stiff end to help thread the floss under your wires, a spongy middle section for effective cleaning, and regular floss to complete the process. This multipurpose floss is perfect for people who want an all-in-one solution.

2.Platypus Orthodontic Flossers

Platypus Orthodontic Flossers are a fantastic option for those who prefer floss picks over traditional floss. These convenient flossers are designed specifically for braces and have a built-in threader for easy use. They make flossing with braces a breeze, even on the go.

3.GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threaders

If you already have a favorite dental floss but need a way to thread it through your braces, GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threaders are a handy solution. These threaders are designed to fit all types of dental floss and are easy to use. They can be a cost-effective option for those who don't want to switch floss brands.

4.Johnson & Johnson Reach Dental Floss

Reach Dental Floss by Johnson & Johnson is a reliable choice for traditional dental floss enthusiasts. It's strong and durable, making it suitable for braces. The uncoated version provides a natural feel, while the waxed variant offers smoother gliding between wires and brackets.

5.Glide Threader Floss

Glide Threader Floss is another option that combines a stiff end for threading with a thin, smooth floss for effective cleaning. The strong threader helps you reach all those tricky areas, while the floss ensures thorough cleaning. The compact design of this product is perfect for on-the-go flossing.

6.DrTung's Smart Floss

DrTung's Smart Floss is an eco-friendly option that combines a comfortable thickness with a soft feel. It expands during use to clean more effectively and is free from harmful chemicals. If you're environmentally conscious and have braces, this floss might be the perfect fit for you.

7.Plackers Orthopick Flosser

Plackers Orthopick Flosser is a convenient flossing tool designed for individuals with braces. It features a sturdy plastic handle with a flossing end and a pick end, making it easy to clean between teeth and around brackets and wires.

8.Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Floss

Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Floss is designed to be extra soft and comfortable on your gums while effectively removing plaque and food particles. It's a good option if you're looking for a gentle floss for your braces.

Types of Flosses

Mint Dental Floss

Mint dental floss is infused with a refreshing mint flavor, which can leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh after flossing. This can be especially appealing if you want to enjoy a burst of freshness while maintaining your oral hygiene with braces.

Cocofloss

Cocofloss is a specialized dental floss that combines coconut oil and a variety of pleasant scents. It's designed to be gentle on the gums and effective in removing plaque. The subtle coconut aroma can make the flossing experience more enjoyable.

Orthodontic Wax

While not technically dental floss, orthodontic wax can be a valuable addition to your braces maintenance routine. It's used to cover any sharp or protruding edges of your braces that may irritate your cheeks, lips, or tongue during flossing.

Fluoride-Coated Floss

Some dental floss products come with a fluoride coating, which can help strengthen your teeth while you floss. This can be beneficial in preventing tooth decay and cavities, especially if you have braces.

Unwaxed Dental Floss

While most people with braces prefer waxed floss for its smooth gliding properties, some individuals may find unwaxed dental floss more suitable to their liking. Unwaxed floss offers a more natural texture and can effectively remove food particles and plaque.

Expandable Floss

Expandable floss is designed to expand as it meets saliva and interdental spaces. This makes it particularly effective at cleaning between tight spaces created by braces and wires.

Eco-Friendly Floss

If you're environmentally conscious, you can choose eco-friendly dental floss options made from biodegradable materials, such as silk or plant-based fibers. These flosses are not only gentle on the environment but also gentle on your gums and teeth.

Floss with Fluoride Gel

Some dental flosses come pre-coated with fluoride gel. This added fluoride can help strengthen your tooth enamel, which is essential for protecting your teeth against cavities while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Teeth Tape

Teeth tape is a wider and flatter dental floss option, which can be easier to use for individuals with braces. Its unique design helps cover more surface area when flossing.

When choosing the best dental floss for your braces, consider your personal preferences, the condition of your braces, and any specific oral health concerns you may have. Experiment with different types of dental floss to find the one that works best for you.

Tips for Effective Flossing with Braces

While choosing the right dental floss for your braces is crucial, using it effectively is equally important. Here are some tips to help you floss like a pro:

Start with a threader

If your chosen dental floss doesn't have a built-in threader, use a separate floss threader to guide the floss under the wires.

Be gentle

Flossing around braces can be tricky, so take your time and be gentle to avoid damaging your wires or brackets.

Use a flossing aid

Flossing aids like floss threaders and floss picks can make the process much easier, so don't hesitate to use them.

Floss regularly

To maintain optimal oral hygiene with braces, floss at least once a day, preferably in the evening before bedtime.

Supplement with mouthwash

Incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash into your oral care routine can help reduce the risk of gum inflammation and infection.

FAQs

What type of floss is usually recommended?

Unwaxed dental floss.

What should I use to floss my teeth with braces?

To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire.

Is flat or round floss better?

If you have a larger than typical spacing between your teeth, dental tape may be a better option as its flat surface will help you make contact with more of the tooth's surface area.

What is better than dental floss?

Water flossing.

Conclusion

Finding the best dental floss for braces is a crucial step in maintaining good oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment. The right floss can make the process more manageable, ensuring that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your journey to a stunning smile. Whether you opt for multipurpose floss, floss picks, or threaders, the key is to be consistent in your flossing routine.

Dental Floss for Braces: Top 8 Picks From Our Expert Dentists