Having braces can make flossing more challenging, but it's still essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. In this article, we will discuss the correct way to hold dental floss and explore various flossing techniques to help you navigate flossing with braces effectively.
Correct Way to Hold Dental Floss
When flossing with braces, it's crucial to hold the dental floss correctly to ensure effective cleaning while avoiding damage to the braces. Follow these steps for the correct way to hold dental floss:
- Use Enough Floss: Cut a piece of floss that is about 18 inches long to ensure you have enough to work with.
- Thread the Floss: Carefully thread the floss under the wire of the braces and between the teeth.
- Secure Grip: Hold the floss firmly between your fingers, ensuring a secure grip to prevent it from slipping or breaking.
- Gentle Movements: Use gentle back-and-forth and up-and-down motions to clean between the teeth and under the braces wire without applying too much pressure.
Flossing Techniques
There are several flossing techniques that can be particularly helpful when navigating flossing with braces. Consider the following techniques to effectively clean around your braces:
Traditional Flossing
Traditional flossing involves using a piece of floss to clean between the teeth and around the braces. Thread the floss under the wire and gently guide it between each tooth, moving it up and down to remove plaque and food particles.
Floss Threaders
Floss threaders are flexible devices that help guide floss under the braces wire. Thread one end of the floss into the loop of the threader and use the threader to guide the floss under the wire and between the teeth. This can make flossing with braces more manageable and effective.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes that can be used to clean between braces and around the brackets. Gently insert the brush between the teeth and around the wires to remove plaque and debris.
Water Flossers
Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth and around braces. This can be an effective alternative for those who find traditional flossing with braces challenging.
By incorporating these flossing techniques and following the correct way to hold dental floss, you can maintain optimal dental health while wearing braces. Remember to floss at least once a day and consult your orthodontist for additional tips tailored to your specific braces and oral care needs.