Flossing with Braces

We get it – flossing can be a pain even without braces in the way. So how does someone with braces clean their gums and in between their teeth properly? There are so many options to clean in between your teeth, so don’t get frustrated with the cumbersome task of flossing with braces!

Here are some methods to flossing your teeth that will keep your smile nice and healthy:

• Wax-based floss. This floss is less likely to get caught in the metal frame of your braces. If you have issues threading the floss through the wires between your teeth, try using a floss threader. Floss threaders make it much easier to get floss behind your wires.
• Water Flosser. Threading floss through each wire separating your teeth can be a tedious task. If you don’t have the patience, or you simply just do not want to use floss – try a water flosser. A water flosser shoots a stream of water out, which when directed between your teeth and gums, cleans out those areas, freeing them of plaque and food debris.
• Proxy Brush. Proxy brushes have the feathery top attached to a wire. These tools are meant to clean hard to reach areas, such as in between your wires. While a proxy brush isn’t the ideal alternative to regular flossing, it still helps to clean those stubborn areas! Before you abandon flossing altogether, at least give the proxy brush a try. Your teeth won’t regret it once you get your braces off! Pro-tip: put some toothpaste on your proxy brush!

Before you ditch flossing altogether, give these options a try! Then when you get your braces off, your smile will be radiant and healthy. And remember, you can always call us for any advice or suggestions about your flossing needs!