Braces are the best way to effectively fix any teeth alignment issues, but cleaning around them can be a hassle. However, it’s imperative to continue flossing, which is why the staff at Oahu Dental Care in Honolulu and Pearl City, HI, want to share a few tips to make things easier. This will ensure you’re practicing proper dental hygiene so that you ultimately get the most from your braces.

3 Tips for Flossing Around Braces

1. Use Waxed Floss

Braces will inevitably snag any dry materials that brush up against them, which is why it’s important to use waxed dental floss. You’ll be able to maneuver more easily around your braces and won’t have to worry about the floss shredding when it contacts the wires or metal.

2. Use a Threader

To make moving floss around your mouth easier, consider trying a floss threader. This convenient tool is easy to move around your mouth and help push floss between each tooth so you can easily remove plaque. You’ll need to rethread it each time, but you’ll ultimately save time compared to doing it manually.

3. Try a Waterpik®

For the easiest and most effective flossing option, consider upgrading to a Waterpik® Water Flosser. Clinical studies have shown that it’s 26% more effective than traditional flossing. By using a focused, high-pressure water stream, you can safely work around every nook, cranny, and crevice in your mouth, ensuring food and bacteria are removed from your teeth and that plaque and other materials are removed from your braces.

If you’re interested in exploring braces or have any questions about your existing set, turn to an orthodontist at Oahu Dental Care. Their full-service team is committed to helping patients achieve a healthy smile, and they offer an extensive scope of dental care services. Call (808) 456-5005 today to reach their Pearl City, HI, location, or (808) 732-2821 for their Honolulu office. You can also visit their website and Facebook to learn about their cosmetic dentistry services.