If you’re wearing braces, keeping your teeth and gums clean is crucial to ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment. Proper dental hygiene practices, including flossing, can prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with three tips on how to floss with braces, so you can keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. 

how to floss with braces

Why Flossing with Braces is Important 

Wearing braces makes it more challenging to clean your teeth and gums effectively. The brackets and wires can trap food particles, leading to plaque buildup and tooth decay. This can cause damage to your teeth and delay your orthodontic treatment. Flossing with braces helps remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic journey. 

 

How to Floss with Braces: Step-by-Step Guide 

Flossing with braces can be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s easy to do. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to floss with braces: 

  • Step 1: Thread the dental floss between the wire and your teeth. 
  • Step 2: Gently move the floss up and down, making sure to clean around each tooth. 
  • Step 3: Unwind a small section of floss after cleaning each tooth and repeat the process until you’ve flossed all your teeth. 
  • Step 4: Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

 

 

Tips for Flossing with Braces 

Here are some additional tips to help you floss with braces effectively: 

  • Use waxed floss: Waxed floss is less likely to get stuck between the brackets and wires than regular floss. 
  • Floss regularly: Floss at least once a day, preferably before bed, to remove any food particles and plaque that may have accumulated during the day. 
  • Consider using a floss threader: A floss threader can make it easier to get the floss between the wire and your teeth. 

By following these tips and flossing regularly, you can maintain good dental hygiene while wearing braces, ensuring that your treatment is as effective and efficient as possible. 

 

Conclusion 

Flossing with braces can be a challenge, but it’s an essential part of maintaining good dental hygiene during orthodontic treatment. At Red Rock Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. If you have any questions or concerns about flossing with braces, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help you!