Can’t Floss with Braces? Try Something Else

Some people floss regularly, others occasionally, and there are those who don’t floss at all. Flossing is, however, crucial to dental health. The mouth has lots of natural bacteria that break down food, but they leave behind a residue called plaque which can cause lots of problems if not removed. It can be tedious to floss, especially with braces, but there are a few alternatives. Here are several ADA-approved flossing alternatives you can take advantage of:
The Water Floss
Water floss is a handheld device that has been approved by the ADA as an alternative to general flossing with a thread or a soft string. The device forces out a steady stream of water that is strong enough to clean in between your teeth. Simply position the device between each tooth and let the water cleanse those hard to reach areas. Some models even allow you to substitute water for mouthwash, giving you that fresh feeling all day.
Pre-Threaded Disposable Flossers
The thing that makes flossing so difficult is trying to handle that pesky pieces of thread or string. It just never seems to go where you want it, making reaching your back teeth especially difficult. With braces, this string easily catches and snags, making the whole process even more of a nightmare. However, pre-threaded flossers could save you the hassle. They’re Y-shaped objects that come already mounted with a thread. All you need to do it grip the piece of plastic and the string stays where it’s meant to be.
Dental Picks
Dental picks are thin, fine sticks that come as both plastic and wood. Whichever you choose depends on your preference. Dental picks are regarded as a better option for those with braces as they are easier to move around than floss and won’t snap or bend out of shape easily.
Interdental Brush
An interdental brush is a tiny dental brush specifically designed to effectively clean between the teeth and places where the standard toothbrush can’t reach. An interdental brush is a lot more comfortable to use than flossing and can easily be moved into place.
You can floss with braces, but if you find it unbearable, any of the above methods work just fine. For more information about braces or maintaining excellent oral hygiene, the experts at the office of Dr. M. Scott Runnels would be more than happy to discuss your options with you. We are conveniently located in Destin and Inlet Beach, FL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!