Flossing can be one of the most challenging parts of wearing metal braces, but it's especially important that you do it daily. If you don't take some extra time and care to floss properly whilst wearing braces, the odds of having tooth decay and gum disease can rise significantly. Fortunately, you can learn a few simple tips that will make flossing easier whilst wearing metal braces. Here's what you need to know.
Use the Right Floss
Use waxed dental floss rather than paper floss whilst flossing with braces. Paper dental floss is too delicate for use whilst wearing braces, as the paper is likely to snag on the metal brackets. Waxed dental floss slides much more easily, making it much simpler for you to maintain the control needed for optimal flossing.
Consider a Floss Threader
If you find flossing whilst wearing braces especially difficult or time consuming, you might prefer to use a floss threader. This specially formed dental floss is designed to fit between braces or other dental appliances with ease, and it might save you some time and effort when it comes to flossing. Floss threaders are available in both paper and waxed types, but as with standard dental floss, it's best to opt for waxed to avoid the paper attaching to your metal braces brackets. Floss threaders, like standard dental floss, are disposable. Use one threader per flossing session and dispose of it in the rubbish bin (never in the toilet) afterwards.
Use an Interdental Brush For Teeth Cleaning On the Go
Purchase a set of specialised disposable dental tools called interdental brushes for quick teeth cleaning whilst away from home. These tiny brushes are made to get into the area between the braces' arch wires for a very gentle but thorough scrubbing. Whilst you can't do a full between-teeth flossing with an interdental brush, you can at least make sure that you don't have food debris clinging to your braces' wires. Just be sure to follow up with your normal brushing and flossing routine once you get home.
In addition to proper oral care at home, make sure to keep up with all of your orthodontist appointments. Your orthodontist will do not only regular braces adjustments but also regular check-ups to ensure that your teeth are healthy. Caring for your teeth is just as important whilst you have braces as it is at every other time—in fact, it's extra vital because your teeth are more vulnerable whilst wearing braces. As long as you brush and floss with care and follow your orthodontist's recommendations, you'll soon have healthy straight teeth to show the world.
