Maintaining excellent dental hygiene with braces is as imperative as without braces. Plaque can readily accumulate around braces and its regular removal with the use of a toothbrush, preferably an electric toothbrush, is important to prevent the breakdown of tooth structure. Flossing is of equal importance to brushing, as it is the only way to clean the area in between teeth, where food impaction often occurs.
How to floss teeth with braces:
- Thread dental floss in between the wire and each pair of teeth.
- Wrap ends of the floss around your index fingers
- Gently press the floss between the two teeth, and slide it up and down along the sides of both teeth. Try to move the floss in a c-shape, hugging each tooth. Start by going up the side of one tooth to the gum line, and then work the dental floss down the side of the adjacent tooth.
- Remove the floss, and gently unthread it from behind the wire
- Move to the next pair of teeth, and repeat until all teeth are flossed
This is a basic overview of how to floss teeth with braces, but we’re always happy to discuss dental care with braces with anyone visiting our Orthodontic office.