Not only can you floss if you have braces, but you absolutely should. Braces are very effective not only at straightening teeth, but also at trapping food particles between teeth and along the gum line. Flossing with braces can be challenging, but here are a few tips that can make it easier.
What You’ll Need
Getting a piece of dental floss over the wires of your braces is tricky. To get the job done, be sure to have the following on hand:
- Waxed dental floss or tape is far less likely to catch on your braces than unwaxed floss.
- Floss threaders are well worth the minimal cost. These disposable plastic loops look somewhat like a flexible sewing needle with a very large eye.
- Patience, especially at first, while you learn to navigate your braces.
Steps for Flossing With Braces
- Take out a floss threader.
- Unwind a manageable length of dental floss or tape—usually just about 18 inches, since you will not be winding the extra floss around your fingers.
- Pass one end of the floss through the eye of the threader.
- Insert the pointy end of the threader over the wire between two upper teeth.
- Pull the floss over the wire.
- Remove the threader.
- Grasp both ends of the floss or tape and floss that space as usual.
- Slowly slide the floss from in-between the teeth.
- Repeat Steps 3 through 8 until all spaces between the upper teeth have been flossed.
- Unwind another length of floss to use for the lower teeth.
- Repeat Steps 3 through 8 until finished.
You can master brushing and flossing with braces with a bit of practice. Keep your teeth extra clean and healthy while wearing braces by seeing your dentist regularly. EDP Dental Plan is an alternative to conventional insurance, offering significant savings on regular checkups and many specialty procedures, including coverage for braces. Choose the plan that best suits your needs and start smiling today!
