Flossing with Braces: Things to Consider

It can be hard to maintain a regular cleaning routine with braces. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing correctly while you are wearing braces becomes even more important because food particles can become trapped in the mouth much more easily than normal. If these food particles are not adequately removed in a timely fashion, then you can end up with stained teeth and bad breath when the braces are removed. Since you do not want to trade one dental problem for another, flossing every day becomes vitally important while wearing braces.

The practice of M. Scott Runnels. D.M.D., P.A. is committed to helping people achieve the best oral health possible through both orthodontic services and patient education. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.

Use Waxed Floss

The key to flossing with braces is using waxed floss. Unwaxed floss is far more likely to get stuck and tear on the brackets of your braces every time you floss. The wax coating on waxed floss ensures that it will not break easily, effectively protecting your braces from damage.

Be Careful

Braces make it impossible to floss your teeth like you have done the rest of your life. For the floss to get in between your teeth, you will have to carefully thread it around the wires of the braces.

Once the floss is threaded, it should be sitting behind the main wires of the braces and up against your teeth and gums. This threading will allow you to properly floss your teeth without having getting caught on the braces.

Take Your Time

Flossing with braces is far more challenging than flossing without them, so you will not be able to rush the process. If you try to floss quickly, you will probably miss a great deal of food particles or completely shred the floss on your braces. It should take approximately three or four times longer to floss your teeth once you get your braces than it did previously. You may see this as a major hassle, but it is far better than ending up with gum disease after your braces are removed.

Proper oral hygiene is a vital part of what makes our orthodontic treatments successful. Contact M. Scott Runnels. D.M.D., P.A. today to begin treatment with an orthodontist that puts you at the center of their practice. We look forward to hearing from you!