Tips & Tricks For Flossing With Braces

Flossing your teeth becomes a whole new ballgame when you add braces to the mix! Huls Orthodontics, in Monticello and Champaign, is here to help you through the adjustment period and teach you tricks and tips to continue flossing effectively, even with braces. Braces make it easy for food and bacteria to stay between your teeth and the brackets. Because of this, we want all of our patients with braces to know the best and easiest techniques to remove plaque and food particles, and ultimately continue excellent oral hygeine. Our orthodontist and our friendly staff are here to help you through this adjustment time and learn the tricks of flossing with braces.

Use The Correct Tool

At Huls Orthodontics, we know that flossing with braces isn’t the easiest task. But, we also want to equip you with the best tools possible. Unfortunately, regular flossing and braces do not work well together. We recommend using an orthodontic floss threader. An easy, inexpensive tool that can be found right next to the toothbrushes and floss in the drug store. The threader allows you to pull the floss in between each tooth, above the bracket and wire, to reach the gum line. This is essential when flossing with braces.

Waxed Floss

With your floss threader, we also recommend using waxed floss. Waxed floss will be easier with your braces and will not break or get caught on the brackets. The difference between waxed floss and regular floss is huge when dealing with braces. Take it from us, you do not want pieces of floss stuck between your teeth!

Follow The Steps

With your threader and waxed floss, you’re ready to floss correctly. At Huls Orthodontics, we suggest following these flossing steps:

• Start with about 12 inches of floss
• Put one end of the floss through the orthodontic threader
• Grab each end of the floss and wrap it around your middle fingers
• Gently slide the floss up and down on both sides of your teeth, make sure you get all the way up to the gum line
• Pull the piece of floss out and repeat for each tooth, continue until you’ve flossed every tooth

Disclosing Tablets

We know that this flossing process is a bit different than what you are used to. But, we want to make sure you are flossing correctly. To double check your flossing work, we recommend using a disclosing tablet. It’s a small dissolvable tablet containing vegetable dye. The dye will quickly color any area of your teeth and mouth that need a little extra attention next time. This will help you see which areas you are flossing well and which areas need a little more work.

Call Huls Orthodontics Today!

For any questions or concerns, call our Monticello or Champaign office today! We understand that flossing is different now with braces, and our orthodontist wants to help you through the process. Our team at Huls Orthodontics is ready to assist in any situation or any concern. Call or visit our office for your next orthodontist appointment today! Easier, more efficient flossing can be achieved with our tips and tricks!