How to Floss With Braces

One concern people who wear braces may have is how to floss their teeth. Is flossing your teeth possible with braces? Our orthodontists at Village Orthodontics explain the best ways to floss your teeth with braces.

How can I floss with braces?

Thankfully, there are a few techniques on how to use floss with braces. You can use traditional floss, a floss threader, a water flosser, or even dental tape. We'll go into each of these techniques below.

Traditional Flossing

To floss with traditional floss when wearing braces, you will need to follow a slightly different technique than you would without this orthodontic device. 

Gently thread the floss under the main wire of your braces, making sure to hold both ends of the floss securely. Then, carefully slide the floss up and down between two teeth, using a gentle sawing motion to remove any food particles or plaque. 

Once you have cleaned between those two teeth, move on to the next pair and repeat the process. Remember to be patient and take your time while flossing with braces to avoid damaging any wires or brackets.

A Floss Threader

Using a floss threader can make the process of flossing easier. Start by threading the floss through the loop of the threader, then carefully guide the threader under the wire of your braces and between two teeth. 

Once in position, pull the floss through and remove the threader. Gently move the floss up and down along each tooth, making sure to reach below the gumline. 

Repeat this process for each tooth, using a clean section of floss each time. Remember to be patient and take your time to ensure thorough cleaning between your teeth and around your braces.

A Water Flosser

If you've been wondering, 'How do you floss with braces?', you might want to consider a water flosser as another tool to help remove bacteria from your teeth.

Start by filling the water flosser's reservoir with warm water and attaching the orthodontic tip. Then, position the tip between your teeth and along the gumline, allowing the pulsating water to remove any food particles or plaque. 

Move the tip along each tooth, making sure to reach all areas around your braces. Finally, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining debris.

Dental Tape

Dental tape is a type of floss that is wider and flatter than traditional dental floss and usually made from nylon wax. It is designed to clean between teeth and along the gumline, removing plaque and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Dental tape may be more comfortable for individuals with wider gaps between their teeth or those who have sensitive gums. 

To begin, cut a piece of dental tape that is about 18 inches long. Gently thread the tape under the main wire of your braces, making sure to avoid applying too much pressure to prevent any damage. Then, carefully slide the tape between two teeth and move it up and down in a sawing motion to remove any plaque or food particles. 

Repeat this process for each tooth, using a fresh section of dental tape as needed. Finally, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash to ensure all debris is removed and keep your oral health a good level.

Do you need some more tips on how to floss your teeth with braces? We understand that it can be challenging, so feel free to contact one of our orthodontists at Village Orthodontics today. We can provide additional guidance and techniques tailored to your braces. We have seven practices across Southern Ontario to better serve you.