Why is Flossing with Braces Important?

Regardless of whether or not you have braces, a regular flossing routine is crucial to your oral health. The purpose of flossing is to get rid of food debris and plaque between the teeth and along the gum line since your toothbrush can’t reach every single crevice. Flossing is so important that it’s responsible for about 40% of plaque removal.

It takes a dedicated routine of both brushing and flossing to keep your teeth healthy. When you have braces, there are many more places for bacteria, food debris, and plaque to hide, which if not removed regularly can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, the movement of your teeth is going to be easier with good oral health. If you neglect this important part of your oral hygiene, you will most certainly be setting yourself up for more visits to the dentist to correct problems which can also lead to considerable additional expense.

Have Questions, or Interested in Getting Braces? Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below now.

How Often Should You Be Flossing?

While we advise flossing at least twice a day, it is especially important to floss at night in order to remove any areas of food debris or bacteria that may be lurking in the crevices and cracks not only between your teeth, but also around the area where your braces are fitted. This will ensure that you eliminate any accumulation that may be stuck in your teeth and gums throughout the day.

To Brush or Floss First?

It’s always better to floss your teeth before brushing. If you brush before you floss, you may still be setting yourself up for cavities. The reason for this is that when you floss, debris and bacteria are removed from the little cracks and hidden places in and around your teeth. You will want to always floss first and then use your toothbrush to “sweep” the debris out of your mouth entirely. If you brush first, you might be cleaning the exposed areas of your teeth, but then flossing will just move the debris and bacteria around in your mouth, but it won’t be eliminated. So, always floss first, and brush second, and then give your mouth a good rinsing.

What Kind of Floss is Best for Braces?

For the most part, the method of flossing is up to you. However, if you’re going to use a traditional type of dental floss, we do recommend using waxed floss. Braces can easily shred unwaxed floss, and can also get snagged or caught on your braces, which can possibly create another area for bacteria and plaque to form.

For ease and speed, we recommend an orthodontic flosser. When you get your braces, our staff will show you exactly how to use an orthodontic flosser so you’ll be well-prepared when you leave the office.

Some patients have asked if they can use a Waterpik in place of flossing. We absolutely agree that a Waterpik can be effective, however, this doesn’t quite do the job that dental floss or an orthodontic flosser will do. Because of this, we recommend flossing first, and then using your Waterpik last to get your teeth and gums squeaky clean!

How to Floss with Braces Using Traditional Dental Floss

If you prefer to use a regular, waxed dental floss, we recommend the following:

• Use a piece of waxed floss that’s about 18 inches long
• With one hand, thread one end of the floss between your archwire and teeth. Using the other hand, take the end of the floss as it makes its way through the archwire
• Wrap the ends of the floss around one finger on each hand and hold the floss taut
• Guide the floss up and down the side of one tooth at a time making a c-shape at the base of the teeth to floss between the tooth and gum
• Repeat process on each next set of teeth using a clean section of floss until you’ve flossed all your teeth

Flossing with a Floss Threader

A floss threader is a piece of flexible plastic that has a loop on the end that’s used for braces or fixed bridgework.

• Break off a piece of waxed floss approximately 18 inches long
• Take one end of the floss through the “eye” of the threader and pull about 4-5 inches of floss through the loop
• Take the pointed end of the floss threader under the archwire and pull the floss through so you can grip with both hands
• Wrap around a finger on each hand and leave a few inches of floss between your teeth
• Floss up and down the side of one tooth, making a c-shape as listed above
• Use the floss threader again in-between next set of teeth using a clean section of floss until you’ve flossed all of your teeth

Using an Orthodontic Flosser

This is the easiest and quickest way to floss with braces.

• Put the rounded end of your flosser under the archwire so that floss is positioned between 2 teeth
• Glide it up and down and don’t forget to floss under the gumline
• Repeat on the other tooth
• Pull the flosser out carefully and place it in between the next set of teeth, flossing all your teeth

Using a Waterpik to Floss with Braces

Many brands have orthodontic tips that are designed to use with braces. Remember, a Waterpik should not be the ONLY method you use for flossing your teeth, but can be a great add-on for super clean teeth and gums! 

• Fill the reservoir of Waterpik with warm water and insert the flosser tip
• Use the lowest pressure setting and place the tip in your mouth while you lean over the sink
• Be sure to close your lips and allow the water to run out of your mouth directly into the sink
• Start with the back teeth, aiming the flosser tip at your gums and “brush” with the Waterpik in between the teeth and brackets
• Repeat until you’ve done your whole mouth, back to front

Regardless of what type of flosser you’re using, be sure and brush your teeth afterward and rinse your mouth out thoroughly. Last, but not least, make sure you continue to see your dentist for regular checkups!

Dr. Taylor and our staff are here to help, and will show you how to floss before you ever leave our office after your braces are applied. Feel free to ask questions and try it yourself while you’re still here. We want to help you keep your beautiful smile as healthy as possible while you have your braces on! If you have any questions, give us a call at 956-621-7907!

Happy Flossing! Once you make flossing part of your regular routine, it will become easier and faster, and you can rest easy knowing that you are practicing good oral hygiene!

Have Questions, or Interested in Getting Braces? Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below now.