The wires of braces make it impossible to floss as you regularly would. We want you to keep your teeth healthy and clean during orthodontic treatment, so Dr. Doctors and our team would like to give you some flossing with braces tips.
Unwaxed floss is more likely to catch on the brackets and wires of braces. Catching floss can result in shreds of floss left behind. You should use waxed floss when wearing braces, as this floss can glide between each tooth with less chance of catching. Be sure to gently slide the floss beneath the gumline on each side of every tooth.
Maneuvering floss between the wire and the gumline of each tooth can be very difficult. In fact, it’s a bit like threading a needle. Use an orthodontic floss threader to simplify the process. This tool allows you to pull the floss through the teeth between the wire and the gumline so that you can easily floss properly. Floss threaders are inexpensive, disposable and easy to use. They can be found in most stores that sell toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.
If you have a young child with braces, chances are he or she does not have the dexterity required to floss around his or her braces. Likely, you will need to help your child floss. Have him or her sit in a well-lit area while you floss his or her teeth.
We welcome you to call Orthodontic Associates of Little Neck at 718.224.0040 today to learn more braces in Little Neck, New York, and to schedule your next visit with our orthodontists.