4 Tips for Flossing with Braces

Braces Belmont, MA

Looking for information on how to floss while wearing braces? Flossing is an important oral care technique to utilize in order to ensure oral health concerns do not develop. Unfortunately, however, all too many braces patients put off flossing properly as it can be more difficult to do so. In addition, flossing incorrectly with braces may damage them and result in the need for a visit to the orthodontist.

How to floss with braces

Although it can be more challenging to floss effectively with braces, knowing how to do so properly can ensure you keep your teeth healthy and get rid of any food particles that become trapped. The following are four useful tips for flossing while wearing braces.

1. Try a floss threader

Many dentists recommend using a floss threader when flossing with braces. A floss threader makes the process easier by allowing patients to pass floss through the teeth without affecting the wire of the braces in any manner. WIthout a floss threader, getting the floss in between harder to reach teeth can be difficult, and it is simply much easier and has less of an effect on the braces to use a floss threader.

2. Thread behind the wire

One of the more important tips is to thread the floss behind the wire of the braces. In order to accomplish this, you need to slide the floss on the other side of the braces, and then proceed to floss between the teeth. Most who floss incorrectly with braces may try to go through the teeth first without considering the braces wire, which may cause them to pull on the wire or just floss ineffectively, and this can be avoided by threading behind the wire first.

3. Floss up and down

Another important tip when it comes to flossing with braces is to go up and down, rather than side to side. It is more natural for many to go side to side when flossing, and it is not necessarily a bad technique when braces are not involved. However, for those who are wearing braces, it is important to floss in up-and-down motions in order to ensure the wire is not tugged on.

4. Go slowly and do not rush

It is important to take your time while flossing with braces, and one of the more common mistakes people make is trying to get the job done too quickly. The fact of the matter is, flossing is not the most fun experience in the world, but doing a good job can ensure teeth and gums remain healthy and the braces treatment is as effective as possible. Be sure to go slowly and floss carefully between teeth.

Talk to an orthodontist about braces

If you are considering braces and want to learn more about whether they can help you and how to care for teeth properly while wearing them, consult with us today and schedule a time to visit with us. We can guide you through each step of the process and ensure your teeth remain healthy during treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://belmontsmiles.net or call Belmont Smiles at (617) 608-2108 for an appointment in our Belmont office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Braces in Belmont, MA.

Recent Posts

3 Popular Options For Aesthetic Braces

Thinking of going for orthodontic treatment but worried about unsightly metal braces? Read on to learn about the advantages of aesthetic braces. For decades, patients had no choice but to straighten their teeth with unsightly braces with metal brackets and wires. This had a tremendous impact on their self-esteem, and many decided to forego braces…

5 FAQs About Teeth Straightening With Invisalign®

Considering Invisalign® to correct crooked or crowded teeth? Read on to learn more about this teeth-straightening treatment option. This method for teeth straightening has grown to be quite popular, and with good reason. However, it is still considered relatively new in comparison to traditional metal braces.Outlined below are some of the most frequently asked questions…

Teeth Straightening Options For Adults From An Orthodontist

Thinking you should visit an orthodontist in order to find out more about the teeth straightening options available nowadays? Good idea. Orthodontists are dental professionals who have decided to focus on preventing, diagnosing and treating any facial or dental irregularities in patients. In order for them to do this, they have undergone additional dental education…

Reasons To Consider Clear Braces For Teens

We all want our children to have straight, healthy teeth; clear braces for teens (or invisible braces) for teens are an excellent solution compared to traditional braces. Thankfully, modern dentistry has made major improvements in braces technology that makes them more effective and more comfortable, and invisible. Now there’s no longer a need to worry…

Recent Posts

Popular Options For Aesthetic Braces

3 Popular Options For Aesthetic Braces

Thinking of going for orthodontic treatment but worried about unsightly metal braces? Read on to learn about the advantages of aesthetic braces. For decades, patients had no choice but to straighten their teeth with unsightly braces with metal brackets and wires. This had a tremendous impact on their self-esteem, and many decided to forego braces…

FAQs About Teeth Straightening With Invisalign®

5 FAQs About Teeth Straightening With Invisalign®

Considering Invisalign® to correct crooked or crowded teeth? Read on to learn more about this teeth-straightening treatment option. This method for teeth straightening has grown to be quite popular, and with good reason. However, it is still considered relatively new in comparison to traditional metal braces.Outlined below are some of the most frequently asked questions…