Maintaining oral hygiene can be difficult with braces.

To freshen your mouth and prevent common dental issues, flossing is an excellent practice to add to your dental routine.

Therefore, 78% of dentists emphasize flossing to promote good oral health.

To help you exit from this nebulous situation of cleaning your teeth, today we will talk about flossing with braces.

Read More: How to Choose the Right Toothbrush for You

Why Flossing With Braces Is Necessary?

The risk of gum disease, such as gingivitis, is greatly increased by wearing braces. 

That's why flossing with braces is as important as brushing your teeth.

Even after brushing your teeth, flossing helps get rid of food particles in your braces. 

Food particles that get stuck in the trap provide a thriving environment for bacteria to flourish and cause cavities or even tooth decay. 

Every person has different eating habits and dental cleaning needs. According to that, they can choose a dental floss for braces.

So, we will cover the types and how to floss with braces in the next section.

Common Types of Dental Floss 

Waxed Floss: if flossing with braces leaves tiny threads lodged in your teeth and braces, you can use waxed floss. The wax coating on it makes it hard to break and gentler on the teeth.

Many types of waxed dental floss are available, so take your time finding one that is comfortable, easy to use, and works for you. Some have delicious fruity taste or mint flavours that leave a good aftertaste in your mouth.

Dental Tape: It is a great option for people who are new to flossing with braces, as it is simple to use. Or, if flossing with braces feels harsh compared to the other types of flosses and you are experiencing soreness or bleeding gums, it will help.

This will give your teeth time to adjust to being flossed. Dental tape, often known as ribbon tape, is flatter and broader than dental floss.

Polytetrafluoroethylene Floss: This is a sturdy type for flossing with braces constructed to facilitate insertion in hard-to-reach areas.

Super Floss: It is a special type made to cater for people who want efficient flossing with braces or have dental bridges.

1.Traditional Floss

It is the most common type of floss that is usually unwaxed.

Traditional floss is the cheapest option that is compact and easy to carry. 

How to Floss With Braces Using a Traditional Floss

Normally, this is the right way you need to follow for flossing with braces:

• For flossing with braces, you need an 18-inch strand.

• Sandwich one end of the floss between your teeth and the wire.

• Swaddle the ends of the floss around your index fingers after pulling it through, making a C shape with it.

• To place the floss between your teeth, apply pressure gently. 

• Move the floss into your gumline at the base of each tooth and along its sides.

• Keep cleaning till you are done with the entire mouth.

Learn More: 7 Comprehensive Instructions For Good Oral Hygiene With Braces

2.Water Flosser 

Using a water flosser is a completely different and extremely comprehensive way of flossing with braces. 

When cleaning teeth and braces, orthodontists and dentists use a directed jet of water for a reason. 

Flossing with braces using a water flosser is an extra step to regular dental flossing and brushing for a thorough dental cleaning.

To get rid of food, a water flosser shoots water between your teeth. Water flossers are useful for cleaning the area surrounding the brackets and wires.    

How to Floss with Braces Using Water Flosser 

• Place your flosser tip into the water flosser handle after adding some lukewarm water to the reservoir.

• With your lips slightly closed, lean over the sink and use the flosser.

• To begin, set the pressure on your water flosser to low. Once you get rolling, you can increase the intensity.

• After turning it on, aim the spray at your gum line, working from your rear teeth to your front teeth. Make sure to squirt water at the braces brackets as well as the base of every tooth, paying close attention to the exterior and inner gumlines. 

Those who find using traditional floss tedious or fussy can use it for flossing with braces.

For instance, for some people, it is tough to keep their hands in the same position for long or have restricted hand movements. They can use a water flosser. 

In case you are searching for a flossing with braces option because your kid just got new braces, stick to the traditional floss.

3.Floss Threader

With a cheap yet useful instrument, you may expedite the traditional flossing process. 

The name of this little plastic instrument is a floss threader. A floss threader lets you pull floss beneath the braces wire effortlessly.

You can cut several minutes off your oral hygiene routine by using a floss threader. How to floss while wearing braces with a floss threader

How to Floss with Braces Using Floss Threader 

• Insert an 18 to 24-inch waxed floss strand through the floss threader's eye. This length makes sure that the string doesn't slip.

• Place the plastic needle's tip beneath your braces' wire. Gently pull the floss through the wire. 

• Using one hand, hold the floss threader.

• For better control over the thin thread, wrap the floss over your forefingers.

• Move the floss smoothly up and down the sides of both teeth, being careful to squeeze it gently in between each one. 

• When working on the upper teeth, form an inverted U shape.

• Proceed to the gum line on one tooth's side, then descend to the other tooth's side.

You can find floss threaders in the oral care aisle of supermarkets and pharmacies. 

You can try out sample threaders from your orthodontist before purchasing a whole set.

4.Orthodontic Flossers 

The orthodontic flossers don't require threading. 

You may floss your entire mouth in as little as two minutes anywhere you want. 

That is due to its convenient shape, you can handle it seamlessly.

FAQs

What happens if you ignore flossing with braces?

You are susceptible to periodontal diseases. On the removal of braces, you may have teeth discolouration or cavities.

How do you make a habit of flossing with braces?

As a visual reminder, keep the dental floss next to your other dental hygiene supplies.

How do you encourage kids to floss with braces?

Teach them how to floss with braces so they don’t complain about the floss hurting their gums. You can also buy the ones specially made for children.

The Bottom Line

Lastly, the decision to choose the suitable dental floss for flossing with braces is yours.

If your teeth have already developed plaque, you need professional dental cleaning.

For that, you can visit a trusted dental clinic that provides a fantastic solution to your dental problems. 

If you want a comfortable first visit, you can consider KWC Dental.