Every single dentist in Midtown Manhattan will disagree that flossing while wearing braces is impossible. The truth is, with practice, it will quickly become second nature and a natural extension of brushing your teeth.
Why Floss?
Affects Oral Health
You may be perplexed about how a simple piece of floss can significantly affect your oral health. Flossing is surprisingly effective. No toothbrush, no matter how good or expensive it is, can get into all the nooks and crannies like floss can.
Both practices remove food and bacteria from your teeth, which can cause cavities and discoloration. It also aids in the prevention of gingivitis and other oral health issues that can develop later in life. You can brush twice a day and floss once daily.
How to Floss While Wearing Braces
Flossing with braces can indeed be challenging at first. However, with perseverance, you’ll get the hang of it. You’ll be a pro in no time! Although flossing takes time, every dentist you’ll ask will say it’s worth the hassle!
Follow Our Instructions
- Brush your teeth to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and food particles. Make sure your toothbrush reaches all of your teeth’s surfaces – outer, inner, and flat surfaces of your top and bottom arch.
- Wrap the ends of a 20-centimeter piece of floss around your index finger to form a tight grasp.
- Thread the floss between the wire and your teeth, aligning it with the gap between your teeth. To remove any food particles or plaque build-up, slide the floss between the teeth, down the vertical edges of each tooth, and into the movable gum tissue.
- After flossing each tooth, wrap the old floss around your finger to avoid reintroducing bacteria into your mouth.
- Continue with the next tooth and repeat the procedure.
Available Products for Flossing Teeth
Not only is wax floss available on the market, but there are a few other options for cleaning your interdental region. Experiment with both to find which one you prefer.
Floss Threader
You could use a floss threader to make cleaning around your braces simpler. The threader makes it easier to get past the wire and between the teeth. Parents may need to assist their children when flossing until they can do so independently.
Toothbrushes With Small Bristles
Small bristles on interdental brushes make it easy to clean between teeth and remove food and plaque. Place the brush between your teeth and gently brush back and forth a few times to remove any food particles. Interdental brushes are only meant to be used with water. Toothpaste can be excessively abrasive.
They come in various widths to fit the size of the gaps between your teeth. The best thing about interdental brushes is that they last anywhere from three days to three weeks before needing to be replaced.
Interdental brushes are less aggressive on the gums than floss since they do not cut into the gums as floss does. The bristles on the brush may also be more effective in removing bacteria from the spaces and gaps than dental floss.
Water Flosser
To eliminate food, this type of floss sprays water between the teeth. Water flossers are also useful for cleaning around cables and brackets. However, this is rarely practiced because your toothbrush and floss will suffice.
Where to Find a Good Dentist in Midtown Manhattan
At Coliseum Dental, we have experienced dentists who will cater to your dental needs. Don’t hesitate to reach us!
