When you get braces for the first time, there are a few lifestyle changes you will have to make. For instance, letting go of bubble gum and gummy candies or cutting certain types of food into very small pieces. For many, these may seem like slightly frustrating inconveniences, but nothing more.
What most patients tend to get overwhelmed with are the changes they have to make to their oral hygiene routine. After all, how do you floss with a mouth full of wires and brackets?
Trust us - with a little patience, it can be done. Here’s what you need to know about flossing with braces.
Don’t Neglect Flossing
You may be so used to flossing your teeth that you could do it with your eyes closed if you had to. But nothing can prepare you for having to floss with braces. While you will get the hang of it and realize that it isn’t so tough after all, it can be overwhelming at first.
The important thing to remember is that you cannot forego flossing. Your teeth rely on you to remove any bacteria and debris left behind in your mouth so that you don’t become susceptible to tooth decay. Adding all the hardware from braces provides more nooks and crannies for it to hide, making it even more imperative that you floss.
How to Floss with Braces
Because you have a wire attached to brackets on every tooth throughout your mouth, you can’t simply floss as you normally would since the wire would get in the way. Instead, you have to pull the piece of floss up behind the wire - and then bring it between your teeth.
You will repeat this between each tooth. The more practice you have, the easier it becomes.
Tools To Make Flossing Easier
Investing in the right tools can make all the difference. As you get more comfortable flossing your teeth, having single-strand wax floss and a floss threader can help.
You can use any type of floss that you want. But, if you are looking for one that is the right size to get through the wires while still being effective, invest in single-strand waxed floss. The floss threader takes it one more step by giving you an easy way to weave the floss under the archwire and in between your teeth.
If you are having a hard time getting the hang of flossing with braces, you aren’t alone. You may want to invest in a water flosser (also known as an oral irrigator). It can do all the work for you using a high-pressure stream of water. It can reach throughout your mouth - in all the tiniest spaces.
Orthodontic Services at TMJ+ Wellness Center
Whether you think you need braces or you have been told you need braces, the team of dental experts at TMJ Plus Wellness Center can help. We offer orthodontic services to meet your needs, including straightening teeth, correcting bite issues, and leaving you with a smile you are proud of.
And we also help you to get through the challenges you face along the way - such as learning to floss with braces.
To learn more, contact us today at 817-481-6888. Or, schedule a consultation online.