While proper dental care is a must if you have braces, flossing can be tricky when you have to work between brackets and wires. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure you remove plaque between your teeth, without damaging your dental apparatus. Here are the top tips to add to your oral hygiene routine.

Do:

Find the right flossing tool.

While most people use dental floss, there are a few other tools at your disposal if you have braces. An orthodontic floss threader is just one example, and this device makes it easier to maneuver around metal wires. You can also invest in a water flosser, which directs a stream of water at the teeth to remove plaque and food debris.

Opt for waxed floss. 

Floss is available in waxed and unwaxed varieties. With braces, waxed floss is preferred, as unwaxed is more likely to get stuck on brackets and shred. Conversely, waxed floss glides easily between teeth and under metal wires. 

Don’t:

Floss too harshly. 

While you need to thoroughly clean your teeth to remove plaque, flossing too aggressively can do damage. For instance, you could damage your gums or even cause issues with the braces themselves. Use gentle, slow motions and make sure you’re using enough floss— you should cut off a roughly 18-inch string each time. 

Neglect flossing altogether.

Because flossing is more complicated with braces, some kids and teens forgo it altogether. However, this increases your risk of cavities and gum disease, which can also complicate the results of your orthodontics. Along with flossing once a day, avoid foods most likely to get stuck in your teeth while wearing braces, such as popcorn, corn on the cob, and nuts.

Blome Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, wants you and your family to enjoy bright, healthy smiles for life. That’s why they’re committed to offering tips for at-home care, in addition to general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services. If your child requires braces, these dentists will make sure they’re getting their teeth as clean as possible, and provide new tools and techniques to make cleaning easier at home. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (402) 483-700 to schedule an appointment today,