Four Techniques to Help You Floss with Braces

Flossing helps you to clean the tougher places brushes can’t reach and remove food debris, also known as plaque. If it’s not removed, plaque could result in tooth decay and gum diseases, and potentially even tooth loss. Flossing has never been easy, and it’s even harder when you have braces. However, flossing doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow these four simple techniques to help you floss with braces.
Floss with Waterpik
While most people believe in the use of traditional floss to floss with braces, water flossing is the most effective and hassle-free technique. Waterpik is a device that releases a steady stream of water that’s strong enough to clean between the teeth. It is easy to use and will take less than five minutes. These devices are readily available and usually range from $30 to $80 depending on the brand and quality.
Floss Threader
Some people find that the hardest part of traditional flossing is handling the thread. When you have braces, getting the thread past the wires with your bare fingers can be a nightmare. Floss threaders are thin plastic tools with a hoop that resemble needles. You pass the thread through the hoop, get the plastic past the braces and then pull the floss through.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small dental brushes with a pointed look and fine bristles at the head. They are exceptionally thin and flexible to allow for smooth movement between teeth. If you have braces, you might want to try an interdental brush. They are available in varying sizes, so you should find one to suit your needs to floss with braces.
Waxed Floss
For traditional flossing, you might want to try floss coated in wax. Waxed floss usually goes through tightly-packed teeth with ease compared to un-waxed floss. One of the reasons waxed floss is the perfect choice when you have braces is that it doesn’t break while you floss with braces.
If you are having trouble with normal floss, whether you have braces or not, the above methods could help. Contact Dr. Bowman DDS and his team at Brodie Bowman Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics for more information about braces and other orthodontic devices. Visit our offices in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville today!