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Flossing your teeth is essential to maintaining good oral health. How to floss while wearing braces is even more critical because it reduces the chances of getting gum diseases and cavities. After meals, food particles tend to remain between your teeth and the braces. Getting rid of all the food particles can be tricky. Flossing is necessary to remove plaque and the particles between your teeth and from the surfaces of your teeth efficiently. Many people with braces find it hard to floss their teeth, and the big question here is, how to floss with braces. Never get worried about how to floss with braces; it is possible. Below are some of the different ways to floss with braces. Traditional FlossingTraditional flossing works by moving thin filaments of strings to eliminate plaque in your teeth when flossing with braces. String floss is either waxed or non-waxed. Waxed string floss is easy to use because it can pass through the interdental spaces without much effort. It comes in different sizes and colors. String flossing is a manual method, effectively removing all food debris on your teeth’s surface. Pros of Traditional Flossing
Cons of Traditional Flossing
Floss ThreaderUsing a floss threader requires you to insert a piece of floss in the threader, then insert the threader between your teeth above your braces. Then, after every interdental space, pull the floss and repeat this process. Pros of a Floss Threader
Cons of a Floss Threader
Water flosserA water flosser works effectively by shooting a thin stream of water at your teeth. It aims at the teeth to eliminate food debris and plaque. The water flosser will help you reach hard-to-reach areas without using traditional floss. Braces are not a limiting factor in flossing; flossing with braces just requires a little creativity. Pros of Water Flossers
Cons of Water Flossers
Dental TapeDental tape is nylon waxed floss tape for easy penetration between the teeth and the braces. To use it, you push the tape in the spaces between your teeth and the braces to remove plaque. Dental tape is wider and flatter than traditional floss. Pros of Dental Tape
Cons of Dental Tape
Is flossing with braces necessary? What happens if you don’t floss with braces?It is essential to floss with braces. Braces significantly increase the risk of gum disease like gingivitis. Flossing with braces helps remove food residues even after brushing your teeth. Flossing improves your oral health and reduces the chances of being infected with oral-related diseases. Trapped food residues create an environment for bacteria growth, leading to cavities or even tooth decay. In general, provided you have braces and you want to maintain oral hygiene, flossing is essential. You have to adapt to how to floss with braces with the available flossing tools. Why is Flossing with Braces Hard?Braces make flossing more challenging and more time-consuming compared to brace-less teeth. Braces create more of a challenge by creating a barrier at the surface of the teeth. In addition, the arch-wire limits the floss from accessing any food particles, residues, and plaque buildup between the teeth. Eliminate food remains, or bacteria breeding may occur, and you will start experiencing gum-related diseases. If you value a better smile with the braces, floss regularly. What is the easiest way to floss with braces?Using Water Flossers is the simplest way to floss with braces because it involves the least manual work. ConclusionOral hygiene is necessary for your daily life. Whether you have braces or not, flossing your teeth should be a priority and done daily. When flossing with braces, ensure you don’t tamper with the brackets and wires. Try your best using the available flossing tools for those who find it hard to floss with braces. Always feel free to go over flossing methods with your orthodontist. Ask an Orthodontist – FAQ1. Can you floss with braces?Yes! Everyone should floss, especially with braces; you will have a healthier smile. 2. How often should you floss with braces?Braces or not, you should floss daily. Make sure that you floss at least once a day. 3. Are you supposed to floss before or after brushing your teeth?It will help if you floss first, then brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to eliminate all residues and debris in the gum line. Provided you have braces, floss, and brush your teeth daily. 4. Is it ever too late to start flossing?It is never too late since there is no dental age limit for someone to start flossing, but the earlier, the better. Orthodontic Arts, your number
one Orthodontist in OKC. Our Certified Orthodontist provides the latest and greatest Orthodontic practices to our clients in the OKC and Midtown area. Orthodontic Arts is the best place for child and teen orthodontics as well as adult orthodontics. Be sure to ask
about Invisalign and invisible braces! Contact us today at (405) 604-3745 or request an appointment. What can I use instead of a floss threader?Interdental Brushes: Like tiny toothbrushes, specially designed to clean between your teeth, these brushes are a great alternative to flossing. Interdental brushes are usually easier to use than a thread of floss, are just as effective as floss, and are probably your best option if you have braces.
What is the easiest way to floss with braces?Floss threader
You can speed up the traditional flossing method with an inexpensive but indispensable tool. This small, plastic tool is called a floss threader. A floss threader helps you pull floss behind the braces wire easily. Using a floss threader will shave several minutes off your dental care routine.
How do you floss with braces without flossing?The Pros of Using a Waterpik or Water Flosser to Floss With Braces:. No String Required – If you or your child struggles with string floss, a water flosser is likely the best answer. ... . Helps Around The Braces And Gum Line – String floss just can't get to these areas.. Is it OK to not floss with braces?Neglecting to floss when you wear braces can damage your braces, and your investment. In addition to becoming a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause tooth decay and tooth loss, leftover food particles that become trapped between braces and teeth can damage the bands and brackets that keep your braces intact.
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