Braces are an effective option to treat jaw and teeth alignment issues. While people often associate braces with the aesthetic benefits, they also have dental health benefits. This is why it is so important to maintain your oral health during braces treatment. One of the most important factors in your daily oral hygiene routine is flossing. This can be difficult with braces so it’s important to find an effective way to floss. Below you will find tips for flossing with braces.
Tips for Flossing with Braces
A couple of different flossing options can help you keep up with your oral hygiene during your braces treatment. Consider the following options and use what works best for you.
Oral Irrigator:
An oral irrigator provides a steady stream of water that cleans between your teeth and along your gum line. This is a quick method to get your teeth clean as it takes just 3 to 5 minutes from start to finish. Choose an oral irrigator meant for those with braces as they are designed to clean around your brackets and between your teeth without issue. It’s best to brush your teeth before you use an oral irrigator so you can break up the debris around your teeth. Once you finish with the oral irrigator you can brush your teeth one last time to ensure everything that was dislodged is removed from your mouth.
Traditional Flossing:
There is no issue with using traditional floss when you have braces. The important part is to understand how to floss effectively. The only drawback to this method is that it takes much longer than an oral irrigator, as it can take up to 15 minutes to effectively floss your teeth using this method. However, there are floss threaders that significantly reduce your flossing time. Cut 18 to 24-inch strings of waxed floss and thread the floss between the main wire of your braces and your teeth. Gently press the floss between the two teeth sliding the floss up and down. Glide the floss across each tooth up to your gum line. Remove the floss and repeat throughout your entire mouth.
Oral Hygiene Tips During Braces Treatment
One of the most important factors during your braces treatment is maintaining your oral health. This can help ensure you stay on track in terms of your treatment timeline.
- Brush Regularly: You’ll need to brush your teeth at least three times a day, or after every meal and snack. Food and harmful bacteria can get stuck between your teeth and brackets. Consider replacing your brush more often as your braces can wear out the bristles much faster.
- Rinse Often: Rinsing before your brush can help dislodge any debris caught in your teeth or braces. In addition, using an antiseptic mouthwash after you brush can help reduce inflammation and help freshen your breath. Rinsing is also helpful after you eat a meal or snack if you can’t brush right away.
- Diet Considerations: Candy, pastries, juice, pop, and other processed foods can be harmful to your oral health at any time.
However, there are more areas for harmful bacteria and debris to get lodged into when you have braces. Tooth decay or other harmful dental issues can negatively impact your oral health and extend your treatment time. It’s best to stick to a healthy, balanced diet and eat these types of food in moderation.
Orthodontist in Downtown LA
If you are considering braces, contact The Best Brace Place. They provide braces for teens and adults. The team has helped countless patients achieve a healthy and aligned smile. Contact the top orthodontist in Downtown LA today for a consultation!
