Importance of Flossing with Braces

You still need to do things like brush your teeth while wearing braces. Flossing is especially important because it can remove things from your teeth that brushing and mouthwashes leave behind. You need to learn how to properly floss while wearing braces to prevent doing any damage. You want to floss one to two times a day at least to get the best results. Floss all of your teeth and not just the ones in front that you can easily reach. You should understand the importance of flossing with braces.

Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, located in Destin and Panama City Beach, can help you create and maintain an oral health routine – especially while you have braces. We know the importance of keeping your braces clean and healthy, and we want to make sure you know how to properly care for them. Flossing is a step that cannot be avoided. To find out more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Runnels, contact Runnels Orthodontics today.

Stop Tooth Decay

Your braces create new areas where bacteria and food particles can hide in your mouth. These substances can get between your teeth and cause serious problems. Your teeth could actually start to decay faster if you choose not to floss. This is because you potentially have larger amounts of harmful substances in direct contact with your teeth for longer amounts of times than normal. Just brushing and rinsing with mouthwash will still leave sugars and other debris behind between your teeth and around your braces. If you floss regularly, then you can help to prevent tooth decay while wearing your braces.

Protect Your Braces

Your braces need to be kept clean. Too much bacteria, sugar or food on your teeth can actually damage your braces over time. It can have a negative effect the substance used to secure the braces to your teeth. This makes it easier for the brackets to be knocked out of place so that they are no longer attached. Not flossing for a long time can actually cause your braces to start to degrade. You want to floss every day in order to protect your braces from harm so they last for as long as needed.

Prevent Gum Disease

One of the largest risks to your teeth and your health is gum disease. You want to do everything possible to prevent gum disease while you are wearing braces. Gum disease can rot your teeth below the gum line. It can cause unnecessary pain and bleeding. It can stain your teeth. There is even evidence that gum disease releases bacteria in your bloodstream that can actually in increase your chance of developing heart disease. You need to take the time to floss every day since braces can make it easier for gum disease to form if you do not keep your teeth clean.

Keep Your Teeth Looking Attractive

You want to have attractive and bright teeth when your braces are finally removed. Allowing food and bacteria to build up between your teeth and around your braces can cause discoloration that is hard to remove. The stains could require special whitening treatments to remove after your braces are taken off. If you floss every day, then you can keep your teeth looking as attractive as possible. You will be removing bacteria and staining agents that could potentially make your smile look unattractive over time. Simple flossing can give you the smile you want when your braces are removed.