Flossing with braces can be a bit challenging, but it’s essential for maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you floss effectively with braces:
1. Choose the Right Tools:
- Orthodontic Floss: Regular dental floss can be used, but there are specialised products like orthodontic floss, which is stiffer at one end, making it easier to thread under the wires.
- Floss Threader: This is a small, flexible tool that helps you thread floss under the archwire.
- Water Flosser: A water flosser can be an excellent alternative or addition to traditional flossing, using a stream of water to clean between your teeth and around your braces.
- Interdental Brushes: These small brushes can help clean around brackets and between teeth where floss might be difficult to use.
2. Prepare the Floss:
- Cut a piece of floss about 45 cm (18 inches) long.
- If using a floss threader, thread the floss through the loop of the threader.
3. Thread the Floss:
- Gently insert the floss threader (or orthodontic floss) under the main wire (archwire) of your braces, carefully guiding it between two teeth.
- Pull the floss through until you have enough to hold with both hands, with a section between your teeth.
4. Floss Between Your Teeth:
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about 3–4 cm (1–2 inches) of floss.
- Slide the floss gently between the two teeth, moving it up and down along the sides of each tooth.
- Be sure to gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, going slightly under the gumline. Avoid snapping the floss as this could damage your gums.
5. Repeat for Each Tooth:
- Carefully remove the floss by pulling it through the wire and out from between your teeth.
- Re-thread the floss (or use a new section if using regular floss) and repeat the process for each pair of teeth, ensuring you clean every space.
6. Use Interdental Brushes (Optional):
- After flossing, you can use an interdental brush to clean around the brackets and under the wires where food particles can get stuck.
7. Rinse Your Mouth:
- After flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining debris.
8. Be Consistent:
- Flossing with braces takes time and patience, but it’s crucial to do it daily to prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
By following these steps, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your orthodontic treatment, ensuring that when your braces come off, your smile is not only straight but also healthy!
