Looking for information on how to floss while wearing braces? Flossing is an important oral care technique to utilize in order to ensure oral health concerns do not develop. Unfortunately, however, all too many braces patients put off flossing properly as it can be more difficult to do so. In addition, flossing incorrectly with braces may damage them and result in the need for a visit.
Although it can be more challenging to floss effectively with braces, knowing how to do so properly can ensure you keep your teeth healthy and get rid of any food particles that become trapped. The following are four useful tips for flossing while wearing braces.
Many dentists recommend using a floss threader when flossing with braces. A floss threader makes the process easier by allowing patients to pass floss through the teeth without affecting the wire of the braces in any manner. WIthout a floss threader, getting the floss in between harder to reach teeth can be difficult, and it is simply much easier and has less of an effect on the braces to use a floss threader.
One of the more important tips is to thread the floss behind the wire of the braces. In order to accomplish this, you need to slide the floss on the other side of the braces, and then proceed to floss between the teeth. Most who floss incorrectly with braces may try to go through the teeth first without considering the braces wire, which may cause them to pull on the wire or just floss ineffectively, and this can be avoided by threading behind the wire first.
Another important tip when it comes to flossing with braces is to go up and down, rather than side to side. It is more natural for many to go side to side when flossing, and it is not necessarily a bad technique when braces are not involved. However, for those who are wearing braces, it is important to floss in up-and-down motions in order to ensure the wire is not tugged on.
It is important to take your time while flossing with braces, and one of the more common mistakes people make is trying to get the job done too quickly. The fact of the matter is, flossing is not the most fun experience in the world, but doing a good job can ensure teeth and gums remain healthy and the braces treatment is as effective as possible. Be sure to go slowly and floss carefully between teeth.
If you are considering braces and want to learn more about whether they can help you and how to care for teeth properly while wearing them, consult with us today and schedule a time to visit with us. We can guide you through each step of the process and ensure your teeth remain healthy during treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.bracesbyabbadent.com or call Braces By Abbadent at (563) 484-5202 for an appointment in our Dubuque office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Braces in Dubuque, IA.
A pediatric dentist works with your child to treat their condition and teach them the importance of oral health from a young age. Misalignment and malocclusions are quite common in children and adolescents as their teeth develop. There are several reasons a child might require braces. Treating these conditions early on can help guide their…
Sometimes, as they grow up, some children develop a narrow upper jaw. Having a narrow jaw can lead to dental problems down the road, such as bite problems or tooth decay. Palatal expanders may be able to help. Understanding narrow jaws can help your child receive the necessary care and improve the overall dental health…
As their name suggests, space maintainers preserve the space in the gum tissue after a tooth is prematurely lost. We reserve them primarily for children who lose a primary or baby tooth to prevent the ramifications of tooth loss from impacting their still-developing smile. However, they also benefit anyone who has lost a secondary or…
Thinking that Invisalign® clear aligners are a good choice for you? While there are different types of teeth straightening options available for you to choose from nowadays. If you are taking this option, it means that you want to experience the benefits of Invisalign. Ready to learn more about what to expect for the first…
Braces treatment can help children and adolescents protect their teeth, improve their oral health, and…
Having a narrow jaw can lead to dental problems down the road, such as bite…
As their name suggests, space maintainers preserve the space in the gum tissue after a…
Understanding how Invisalign® works is the first thing you need to do when considering undergoing…
Three common braces chosen nowadays include lingual braces, clear braces, and clear aligners.
Despite some superficial similarities, Invisalign for teens is a very different treatment from traditional braces.…
