Flossing is a fundamental aspect of oral hygiene, crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, when you have braces, the process can become more challenging yet even more essential. At RockCenter Orthodontics, your trusted kids’ orthodontist in New York City’s Upper East Side, we understand the intricacies involved in caring for braces. This guide is designed to help you master how to floss with braces effectively, ensuring your smile remains bright and healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.
The Importance of Flossing With Braces
When you have braces, food particles and plaque have more places to hide in your mouth, making you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Flossing daily is crucial because it removes debris and plaque between your teeth and along the gum line, areas where a toothbrush can’t always reach. Proper flossing with braces is key to avoiding dental issues and ensuring that your orthodontic treatment leaves you with a healthy, beautiful smile.
Tools to Help You Floss With Braces
Before you begin, it’s important to have the right tools. Traditional floss can be difficult to use with braces, so Dr. Hung recommends using tools designed specifically for orthodontic care:
- Orthodontic Flossers: These are pre-threaded flossers which make it easier to get under the archwire and between the teeth.
- Water Flossers: These devices use a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque between teeth and around the gum line. They are especially useful for people with braces.
- Floss Threaders: These are a handy tool that helps you pull floss through the teeth above the wire, making it easier to reach the gum line.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Floss With Braces
- Step 1: Choose Your Flossing Tool: Decide whether you are using traditional floss with a floss threader, an orthodontic flosser, or a water flosser. Each tool has its benefits, and you may find one easier to use than the others.
- Step 2: Prepare the Floss: If using traditional floss, pull about 18 inches of floss and thread it through the floss threader. Slip the threader behind the archwire, pulling the floss through until you can hold each end comfortably in your hands.
- Step 3: Start Flossing: Gently move the floss up and down between two teeth and just below the gum line. Be careful not to push too hard against the gums or archwire. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth gap to avoid reinserting bacteria and food particles.
- Step 4: Repeat for Each Tooth: Continue this process throughout your mouth. Remember that reaching the back teeth can be tricky but is just as important as flossing the front ones.
- Step 5: Rinse and Inspect: Once you’ve flossed all your teeth, rinse your mouth with water or an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to remove any dislodged particles. Inspect your braces and teeth in the mirror to make sure you haven’t missed any areas.
Tips for Effective Flossing With Braces
- Be Patient and Gentle: Flossing with braces takes more time than flossing without. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging your braces or irritating your gums.
- Floss Daily: Make flossing a part of your daily routine. The best time to floss is at night to ensure your teeth are clean before you go to bed.
- Use the Right Amount of Floss: Using too little floss can make the process difficult, and too much can be cumbersome to handle. Find the right length that works for you.
- Seek Guidance From the Kids’ Orthodontist: If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for help during your next appointment at RockCenter Orthodontics. As your kids’ orthodontist, we’re here to ensure your child’s orthodontic care is as smooth and effective as possible.
Why Flossing With Braces Is Worth the Effort
Learning how to floss with braces may seem daunting at first, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it help maintain optimal oral health, but it also ensures that when your braces come off, your teeth are as healthy as they are straight and beautiful.
At RockCenter Orthodontics, we are committed to providing comprehensive support throughout your orthodontic journey. By mastering how to floss with braces, you are taking an important step towards achieving not just a perfect smile, but also a healthy one. Remember, a little extra time spent on flossing today can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles.