Make Flossing with Braces as Easy as 1, 2, 3

Flossing can be seen as a tedious task, add wires and brackets to the mix and you may have a challenge on your hands.

Getting your child to floss daily is a tough for most parents, but with braces it is even more challenging. The wires on braces prevent the ability to floss traditionally. However, flossing is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. Braces may hold food particles that without properly removing by floss could cause harm to teeth and gums.

How to Floss with Braces:

Step 1 – Starting between the first two teeth on one side of your mouth, insert the stiff end of Super
Floss between the teeth and above the arch wire for the upper teeth and beneath the arch wire for the lower teeth. Move floss in an up-and-down motion (not a sawing motion) between contacts of the two teeth.
Step 2 – Remove floss and then reinsert floss between the next two teeth. Repeat this procedure until all the teeth have been completed.

3 Tips for Making Flossing with Braces Easier (Source Colgate.com)

• 1. Use The Right Tool

Using floss on teeth with braces is difficult and frustrating. Sliding the floss between the teeth above the wire is a bit like threading a needle. An orthodontic floss threader is an inexpensive and disposable tool available in nearly any store that sells toothbrushes and toothpaste. It is indispensable when flossing teeth with braces because it allows you to pull the floss through the teeth above the wire and reach the gum line.

• 2. Help Younger Children Floss

Do not expect younger children with braces to have the dexterity required to floss successfully. You most likely will need to help your child floss. It's best to have him kneel or sit in a well-lit area, as it can take a long time. If your child has a difficult time sitting still, have him sit where he can watch a favorite show or listen to music while you floss.

• 3. Use Waxed Floss

Non-wax floss is more likely to catch on braces and leave behind shreds of floss. When flossing with braces, it is best to use waxed floss with a floss threader, which will slip between each tooth without catching more easily. Gently slide the floss up into the gum line of both teeth before removing the floss and threader and going to the next tooth.

Proper brushing and flossing removes plaque. Plaque is a sticky, white substance that collects on your teeth. It is made up of bacteria, food and saliva. If plaque and trapped food are left on your teeth and around your braces, it can cause bad breath, cavities and swollen gums. Ideally flossing should be done every day. If this is not possible, please floss at least 2-3 times a week. For more information regarding oral hygiene visit poserortho.com/hygiene-and-diet.php