5 Tips for Flossing with Braces

by | May 2, 2022 | Dental Hygiene

Getting orthodontic treatment is exciting! Braces are great, but they can also make some things more difficult. Flossing can be one of these things. Here are 5 tips for flossing with braces to help you keep your teeth and braces healthy and sparkling clean.

1. No-shred Floss

One of our top tips for flossing with braces is fairly simple: make sure to use no-shred floss. It makes things much more difficult when you’re flossing to have to pull out strands of floss that have gotten caught on your braces brackets or between tight-fitting teeth. The floss packaging may say “no-shred,””shred-free,” “won’t shred,” or simply “waxed.” Any of these should reduce the risk of shredding and make flossing go more smoothly.

2. Use a Threader

When you first get your braces, your orthodontist will likely give you a few reusable threaders, but you can also ask for extras anytime. They usually look like small blue plastic loops. These work by looping the floss through the threader loop, then putting the end of the threader under your braces wires and between your teeth, and pulling the threader and floss through. It requires some practice to get used to it, but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it!

3. Superfloss to the Rescue

One of our other favorite tips for flossing with braces is to use superfloss. Superfloss is specially made in pre-cut, individually packaged strands, and comes with both a threader and a gentle expanding floss section built in. Every type of floss that you need for braces, all in one convenient package!

4. Floss Picks for the Win

Floss picks are another great way to make flossing with braces easier. Floss picks are small plastic sticks with a C-shape at one end and a small section of pre-cut floss stretched between the prongs. Make sure to get floss picks that are specifically designed for braces so that they will fit under the wires of your braces.

5. Talk to Your Orthodontist

If you’re looking for tips for flossing with braces, your best resource is your orthodontist, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have! Your orthodontist is always excited to help people learn how to care for their new smile and will be glad to offer tips to help make flossing with braces easier and more successful.

Call our Houston, TX, Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.

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