Three Ways to Floss While You’re Wearing Braces

When you have braces, flossing can be a challenge. But Dr. Chad Callahan and our orthodontic staff want you to know that it’s really important that you do it. Fortunately, there are a few tools to try. Here are three of them, including the steps on how to use them

Ordinary Floss: If you’re a traditionalist, you can floss your teeth with ordinary floss. Use waxed floss if possible to avoid the floss getting stuck in your braces. Using an 18 inch piece of floss, thread the floss over the braces wire, or the crevice closest to your gumline. It will feel like you are threading a needle. When it’s through, pull it forward so you can grab the other end. Wrap each end around your index fingers and guide it through the crevice of the other side of the tooth. Scrape it along each side up and down. Repeat the process with each tooth.

Floss Threader: A floss threader can make it easier to thread the floss between each tooth. Shaped like a miniature lasso, you can find these tools at many drugstores. Simply thread the floss into the loop. Then insert the other end of the threader above the wire of your braces and into the crevice in between your teeth. Repeat the process with each tooth.

Water Flosser: Many people find that a water flosser is the easiest way to floss with braces. These are available online and in specialty stores. When you have bought one and unwrapped it, the first thing you will want to do is fill the reservoir with water. Then aim the flosser at one of the crevices of your teeth and turn it on. The floss will shoot a steady stream of water between the gap, freeing food particles and bacteria trapped there.

If you have any questions about flossing, you can call Shehee & Callahan Family Orthodontics in Pensacola, Florida at 850-478-8844. We’d be happy to help you and your smile!