How To Thoroughly Clean Between Your Teeth While Using Braces

Posted on: 21 July 2018

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Getting braces can vastly improve the look of your smile and jaw, but getting used to taking care of your teeth while wearing them can be difficult. If you know you're supposed to floss in order to keep the space between your teeth clean, try these tips and techniques to do it easily and effectively every day.

The Tools

When you normally floss, all you need is the floss. However, once you have braces, it becomes harder to thread the floss under the wires of your braces. Because of this problem, you'll need an extra tool. You will need to buy floss and a set of interdental brushes. These are the very small, narrow brushes that are designed to fit between teeth.

The Plan

Once you have your tools, it's time to start flossing. You should start with your front teeth and stand in front of a mirror until you get the routine down.

Cut off a piece of floss - enough to floss your whole mouth - and grab one interdental brush. Wet the brush with some water and then take the edge of the floss and attach it to the tip of the brush. Then, while looking in the mirror, push the interdental brush partially under the wire of your braces. Grab the floss and pull the interdental brush away, releasing it. You can now floss your gumline and the surfaces of your teeth above the wire.

Once you've done this with all your teeth, go through once more and floss beneath the wire. If you see any stray bits of debris left behind above the wire, use your interdental brush to wipe it away.

Alternatives

While these tips are great for most people, it's not always so easy if you have mobility problems or difficulty seeing clearly. In this instance, consider a water flosser. Water flossers are easy to use just by blasting your teeth and gums with the tool. Water flossers are very effective at getting rid of plaque and food debris, so with regular use, you can expect to maintain good gum and tooth health.

Getting braces doesn't mean that you have to struggle through your daily oral hygiene routine. These tips will help you to adapt to your braces and ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy. Talk to your orthodontist if you have more questions about caring for your teeth while wearing braces.