Mastering Flossing Techniques with Braces
Mastering Flossing Techniques with Braces
Orland Park, IL – Proper oral care is crucial during orthodontic treatment. While your braces work to enhance your smile, maintaining good brushing and flossing habits is essential to prevent decay and gum disease. Without proper care, your braces can’t perform their job effectively.
“We understand that flossing with braces can be challenging, especially at first,” says Dr. Ayas Makki. “Navigating around the brackets and under the wires takes some practice. That’s why we guide our patients through effective flossing techniques to ensure their smiles stay healthy.”
Dr. Makki and her team start by teaching traditional flossing methods. Though it can be a bit cumbersome initially, mastering this technique is crucial.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to effective flossing with braces:
- Use Waxed Floss: Start with a piece of waxed floss, about 18-24 inches long. Stand in front of a mirror and thread the floss between the braces wire and your teeth. Wrap the floss around your index fingers and gently guide it between the first two teeth. Slide the floss up and down each tooth, making sure to floss gently at the gumline. Repeat this process for each pair of teeth.
- Floss Threader: A floss threader can simplify the process. This small tool helps you maneuver the floss under the wire of your braces. Pull the floss through the threader and use the pointed end to position the floss for easier cleaning.
- Electric Flosser: Consider using an electric flosser like a Waterpik. This device uses a stream of water to clean between your teeth and along the gumline. You can adjust the pressure of the water to your comfort level, helping to remove food particles and plaque.
- Proxy Brushes: Small, interdental brushes or proxy brushes can also aid in flossing. These brushes fit under the brackets of your braces and clean the spaces between your teeth, helping to remove food debris and plaque build-up.
It may take some trial and error to find the flossing method that works best for you, but the key is to floss at least once a day. Effective flossing is essential to prevent decay and gum disease, which can impact the length of your orthodontic treatment and the overall health of your teeth and gums.
For any questions or concerns about flossing or maintaining oral care while wearing braces, reach out to Dr. Ayas Makki and the team at Orland Park Orthodontics. We’re here to help ensure your orthodontic journey is a smooth one!
