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 to the orthodontist.
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.smilesbyshell.com or call Dr. Gregory K Shell at (828) 386-9811 for an appointment in our Granite Falls office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Braces in Granite Falls, NC.
Braces are one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth and gain a more attractive smile, but all too many who could benefit put off treatment because they do not know how the process works. By knowing the step-by-step process of braces, however, you can decide whether or not they are a good choice…
An increasing number of Americans are opting for teeth straightening to provide a healthy, beautiful smile. Leaving misaligned teeth untreated can lead to other dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty chewing. Orthodontic treatment is beneficial because it can make teeth fit better and create a better bite. It can also reduce the…
Most parents are familiar with traditional orthodontic treatment that usually starts when a child hits adolescence. Typically, orthodontics are needed to correct gaps, bite issues or crowding issues. However, in some cases, early orthodontic treatment may be needed. Early orthodontic treatment is not limited to one type. Each child has varying needs that serve as the…
We all want our children to have straight, healthy teeth; clear braces for teens (or invisible braces) for teens are an excellent solution compared to traditional braces. Thankfully, modern dentistry has made major improvements in braces technology that makes them more effective and more comfortable, and invisible. Now there’s no longer a need to worry…
Braces are one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth and gain a more attractive smile, but all too many who could benefit put off treatment because they do not know how the process works. By knowing the step-by-step process of braces, however, you can decide whether or not they are a good choice…
An increasing number of Americans are opting for teeth straightening to provide a healthy, beautiful smile. Leaving misaligned teeth untreated can lead to other dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty chewing. Orthodontic treatment is beneficial because it can make teeth fit better and create a better bite. It can also reduce the…