No one ever said flossing with braces would be easy, but it’s essential to floss properly if you want to protect your gums and teeth.

Wearing braces will give you a straighter smile once the brackets and wires come off. That’s why you go through the time and expense of getting braces. While waiting for that day, you can’t neglect other aspects of your oral health, which means daily flossing. But how can you floss when the braces get in the way?

Flossing with braces takes more time and effort, but it must be done. Brushing alone will not remove the bacteria and plaque stuck between your teeth. Only flossing can get into those hard-to-reach spaces. Moreover, the wires and brackets provide more hiding places for plaque. If plaque is allowed to grow on tooth enamel and gums, it can lead to cavities and gum disease. While it may be tempting to stop flossing when you have braces, here are some ways to make flossing easier with braces.

Five tips for easier flossing with braces

Without braces, you can efficiently run the floss between your teeth in a circular motion. It’s not so simple with braces, as the wires connecting each brace prevent the floss from getting into the spaces between teeth. But don’t feel discouraged! You can floss effectively even with braces by following these five tips:

Use waxed floss. Unwaxed floss can shred when pulled through the wires. On the other hand, waxed floss will glide more easily between your teeth.

Thread between the wire and your tooth. To start, grab a piece of floss about ​​18 to 24 inches long. Wrap the floss around your index fingers and carefully thread the floss between the wire and your tooth. Then, maneuver the floss between two teeth. Once in between the teeth, move the floss along the side of one tooth up to the gum line and then down the side of the other tooth. Take care when removing the floss so as not to dislodge the wire. Although it will take some time, get to every tooth in your mouth.

Get a floss threader. Are you having trouble getting the floss under the wire? Try a floss threader. This small device, available in most stores, can help you get underneath the wires. First, thread the floss through the eye of the threader and then place the needle’s point under the wire. Pull the floss through the wire while holding the floss in one hand. You can wrap the floss around your index fingers for more control. Then, floss as you usually would by moving the floss between your teeth.

Try a water flosser. Try a water flosser if you find it too difficult to work with traditional floss. The steady stream of water between teeth can clear away food debris and bacteria.

Switch to dental tape. Another option is dental tape, especially for those with sensitive gums. Dental tape is thinner and softer than regular floss but wider, making it easier to get between teeth.

If you have children with braces, take the time to help them floss. To make the experience more pleasant, give your child a favorite toy, or have them watch a video. Older children will want to floss themselves, so supervise to ensure they’re doing it correctly. 

Daily flossing will reduce harmful plaque on your teeth and gums, but don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings! With braces, keeping your teeth healthy is more important than ever!

Have braces? Let an Espire Dentist help you

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s La Mesa location today! Our highly trained dentists will help you learn how to maintain good oral hygiene with braces. Don’t live near our La Mesa, CA, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

La Mesa, CA
8555 Fletcher Parkway 
Suite 102 
La Mesa, CA 91942