How to Floss Around Braces

Flossing around braces is one of the surest ways to keep teeth healthy. Because the metal fittings and wires create small places for food to get caught, it is particularly important to floss daily in order to protect dental health and ensure beautiful teeth when the braces come off.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Buy waxed floss. Unwaxed floss tends to shred when it gets caught on metal wires and brackets of braces. Waxed floss tends to stay together and slide between teeth and around braces making flossing much easier.
2. Use about 18 inches of floss. Wrap the ends securely around your fingers to keep the floss from slipping. Be sure to adjust and move the floss after every few teeth to avoid using the same section repeatedly. Readjusting the floss keeps plaque from being put right back between teeth, and it helps avoid breaking the floss.
3. Consider a floss threader. The tricky part about flossing around braces is getting the floss underneath the main wire and between the teeth. Floss threaders are handy little plastic loops that allow the user to thread the floss under the wire and between teeth.
4. Use steady pressure. Once you have the floss between the teeth and past the braces, use light, even pressure to rub between teeth and remove plaque build up. Heavy pressure can cause gum damage or even break the delicate wires of braces.
5. Seek professional advice if you need it. Flossing around braces can be tricky the first few times. If you have difficulties, seek the advice of your orthodontist or dentist. They can show you exactly how to floss around your braces safely and effectively.