How to Floss Wearing Braces

Flossing is even more important for people wearing braces.

Wearing braces isn't fun. In addition to having them tightened, it takes a lot more effort to clean your teeth. Brushing is essential, but correctly flossing is even more important when you wear braces. It helps remove particles of food stuck between your teeth and around your braces. It also promotes healthy gums. Flossing with braces takes a little more time than flossing without braces, but the payoff is worth the effort. Once your braces are removed and your teeth are straight, you can proudly flash a beautiful, healthy smile.

Things You'll Need

• Waxed floss
• Cup of water

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of waxed floss that measures about 18 inches. Waxed floss is preferred because it will glide along smoothly. Unwaxed floss might tear off in your braces, leaving shreds of string that are hard to remove.

2. Guide one end of the floss under the arch wire that connects your braces. Then, wrap the floss around the upper portion of your tooth.

3. Push the floss up toward the gum line and use gentle pressure as you pull the floss down in a sawing motion between the teeth, toward the wire. Do not pull the floss against the arch wire. Carefully floss around the brackets. Repeat this process 3-4 times to make sure you remove excess food and plaque.

4. Wrap the floss around the neighboring tooth and floss around it just like you did with the first tooth.

5. Pull the piece of floss out from the arch wire and insert it into the next one. Repeat the process for the two teeth you can reach from this placement.

6. Continue flossing like this until you have reached all of your upper and lower teeth.

7. Rinse your mouth with water to get rid of any food particles the floss dislodged.

8. Ask your orthodontist for tips if you are still having trouble flossing. He will show you the proper technique.

Tips & Warnings

• A floss threader makes it easy to guide the piece of floss under the arch wire.

• Floss your teeth at least once per day.

• Floss your teeth before your brush them. It helps loosen small particles of food that your toothbrush will brush away.

• Avoid foods like popcorn, corn on the cob, and sticky or chewy candies. These types of foods can get stuck in your braces.

References

• West Virginia School of Dentistry: Now That I Have Braces
• Bracequestions.com: Flossing With Braces
• WebMD: Caring for Teeth With Braces and Retainers