When the patients here at Melbourne Orthodontics get new braces, our team works hard to help them understand how to care for those braces — and their teeth — in the right way. While you’re undoubtedly already aware that flossing regularly is important, you might be confused about how to floss with braces safely. Keep reading to learn how to keep both your braces and your teeth in good condition while you floss.

Try a Special Floss Threader

Floss threaders can greatly simplify the teeth flossing process when you have braces. Floss threaders are very flexible and can easily move dental floss in between the brackets and your teeth. It’s important to realize that flossing with a threader does take a little bit of extra time in the beginning. You’ll need to get used to placing the threader carefully and precisely in each gap, but this process becomes quite fast and easy once you get used to it. After you’re accustomed to using a floss threader, it won’t take much more time than regular flossing without braces does.

Purchase a Specialized Toothbrush

One of the most useful oral health supplies for anyone who has new braces is the interproximal toothbrush. An interproximal toothbrush is specifically designed to get to the areas where the toothbrush doesn’t reach easily. It’s all too easy for tiny pieces of food to get attached to the arch wires of your braces, but an interproximal toothbrush puts tiny bristles around the archwires to keep them clean and clear. You might also want to invest in a set of disposable interproximal toothbrushes. They’re tiny and easy to use flosser brushes that you can take along while you’re dining away from home.

Use a Water Flosser

While flossing with a floss threader does the most thorough possible job, it’s important to have a backup plan as well. There may be times when you’re in a big rush and you just don’t have time to perform a thorough flossing. A water flosser can also be used after a regular flossing just to make extra sure that your braces and your teeth are totally clean. Water flossers are very easy to use, and many people find the tiny streams of water between their teeth and braces to feel quite refreshing. While a water flosser can be a great addition to a flossing routine for braces, you shouldn’t use it exclusively in place of regular flossing.

Post Flossing Mouthwash

After your regular flossing routine, one of the best possible ways to make sure your mouth is extra clean is to use a high-quality mouthwash. While most people use mouthwash to get that refreshed feeling, it’s also great for washing away any lingering debris within your mouth. Be sure to do a series of good swishes while the mouthwash is in your mouth, and then rinse again with water.

Have New Braces, or Getting Braces Soon?

If you’ve got new braces or you plan to get braces soon, learning as much as possible about the process is important if you want to achieve straight teeth success. You can use the tips discussed above to make sure that you’re flossing in the best possible way — and that your teeth stay clean and healthy while you’re wearing braces! Dr. Reddick and our Melbourne Orthodontics team are also happy to give you additional tips and trick regarding the care of your new braces in the future.

As your local orthodontist in Melbourne, Florida, Melbourne Orthodontics is happy to help you achieve the straight and stunning smile that you deserve. We offer not only traditional metal braces but also ceramic braces and Invisalign. We also offer retainers, night guards, and many other types of dental appliances to help you achieve the smile you wish for. Melbourne Orthodontics offers treatment for pre-teens, adolescents, and adults. We customize your teeth straightening plan just for your individual needs. Contact us anytime to arrange a visit with Dr. Reddick!