How to Floss Properly With Braces: A Detailed Guide - Smile Prep (2024)

How to Floss Properly With Braces: A Detailed Guide - Smile Prep (1)

Flossing is a crucial part of any good oral hygiene routine. Just one problem: to make a meaningful difference, you need to do it right. That’s already a complicated task, and it gets even trickier with braces.

From how often to floss to the right approach for cleaning around brackets and wires, we have the details you need to better understand how to floss with braces.

Table of Contents

Why Flossing Matters

Many of us hate flossing, and we often find excuses to avoid it. Brushing twice a day, two minutes per session? Not an issue. Swishing with mouthwash for 30 seconds? No problem! Flossing once a day? Eh.

Don’t worry. If you are among the floss-hating masses, we won’t judge. It’s not the easiest part of your oral hygiene routine. It takes more time than brushing, and requires more dexterity too. Plus, for many, it might even cause some discomfort and bleeding. And that’s why just 31% of Americans floss every day.

But whether you love it, hate it, or tolerate it, flossing is essential to preserving your oral and overall health. Even the cutting-edge technology of a fancy electric toothbrush can’t get between the teeth and under the gum line. But floss goes where bristles can’t reach, removing plaque before it can harden into cavity-causing tartar or lead to gum disease. And that’s why flossing matters.

And when you have braces, flossing matters even more. That’s because brackets and wires give food particles, bacteria, and plaque more places to hide, increasing the risk of complications. If you don’t floss with braces, you increase your risk of developing everything from tooth stains to periodontal disease.

How Often to Floss

This is a little tricky when you have braces because you don’t just have to get between the teeth — you have to clean your brackets and wires too. You can floss between your teeth with actual dental floss, but flossing around your braces usually requires an interdental brush.

The goal of flossing between the teeth is to disturb plaque before it can calcify into tartar — a hard, cavity-causing substance you cannot safely remove at home. That calcification can occur in as little as 24 hours, which is why the American Dental Association suggests flossing once a day.

But you’ll probably want to floss around your braces more than once a day, since food particles can get stuck around the brackets and under the wires at every meal (and snack!). Whenever you have visible food particles on your braces, or they are causing irritation, you need to remove them.

Keep in mind that flossing between the teeth once a day is the minimum, though. Depending on your oral and overall health, you might need to floss twice a day or more.

When Is the Best Time to Floss?

So, flossing daily is a must, and how many times a day is a little more flexible. But what about the right time of day for flossing? This one is all up to you.

The American Dental Association says to floss whenever you find it convenient, since this ups the chances that you’ll do it every day. Pin down a time when you have a few minutes to spare and won’t forget to do it.

Maybe you have more free time first thing in the morning, love starting the day with squeaky-clean teeth, and you can easily remember to incorporate flossing into your morning routine. Then that’s your ideal flossing time. But you might prefer going all night with ultra-clean teeth and have more time before bed. In that case, floss at night.

However, floss your appliance with interdental brushes on an as-needed basis. Whenever you notice debris, clear it away.

Is It Possible to Floss Too Much?

Yes, it’s a possibility. But what defines “too much” is subjective. Some people genuinely need to floss more times a day than others, but the more you floss, the greater the risk of damage.

The main risk of flossing more than once a day is damaging the gum tissue. If you floss correctly, you run it up to the gum line and clean around the triangular area of gingival tissue (the papilla). Flossing too much irritates the gums, and can cause bleeding, inflammation, and even gum recession. And your gums don’t regenerate; once they recede, a doctor will need to replace the tissue surgically.

There is also the risk of damaging your enamel. This risk is smaller, since enamel is the strongest substance in the body, but it can still erode over time. And just like gingival tissue, once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. Enamel functions as the protective layer of the teeth, so when it wears down, the delicate inner structures are vulnerable to bacteria and cavities.

Types of Floss (and Floss Alternatives)

As we’ve already established, flossing with braces is difficult, but you can make it easier by selecting the right type of floss — or a good floss alternative. Below are some options available to people with braces.

Nylon Floss

When you think of floss, this is probably what you picture, and it comes in waxed and unwaxed options. Waxed floss glides better but is harder to grip and control, while unwaxed floss offers more control. Either way, nylon floss is made from multiple fibers woven together, so it might fray.

Monofilament Floss

This is similar to nylon floss, but while nylon floss has multiple fiber strands, monofilament floss is just one strand. This is beneficial, especially for those with braces, since frayed floss can catch on the brackets.

Satin Tape

If you’re using braces to close gaps, thinner floss might not be ideal — at least not for the teeth with excessive spacing. Satin tape is wider than traditional floss, allowing it to cover a larger surface area. It’s also very smooth and less likely to cause irritation.

Super Floss

This type of floss is a favorite among braces wearers. It’s pre-cut, so you don’t need to measure, and has three distinct sections: a still end that threads easily around braces, standard floss for the area by the gums, and then a spongy section that cleans wider gaps and under wires.

Floss Alternatives

Threading floss under the archwire can be annoying, and sometimes, it just isn’t the right choice. Luckily, there are floss alternatives that can supplement or replace traditional floss. Below are a few to consider.

  • Interdental Brushes: Your dentist or orthodontist might have you use these no matter what. They are tiny brushes that look similar to those for cleaning reusable straws. These are great for cleaning your appliance but can also fit between your teeth.
  • Water Flossers: Also known as water picks and oral irrigators, these are electric tools that pressurize water and use a small tip to direct it against the teeth. The force is enough to blast food and particles off the teeth and braces, without causing damage.
  • Air Flossers: These tools are similar to water flossers, but use a mixture of pressurized air and water droplets. It does pretty much the same thing as oral irrigation, but with less of a mess.

These options all work well, but they might not be ideal for everyone. Consult your dentist before ditching standard floss options.

How to Floss With Braces

As with anything related to your braces, defer to your dentist or orthodontist’s instructions. If their guidance differs from what’s below, go with what they tell you. With that said, most doctors recommend taking the following approach to flossing with braces.

Step One: Select Your Order

Most people will floss first to knock debris loose, so it’s easier to brush away. However, this is a matter of preference. Some people even do a light brushing without toothpaste first, then floss, then brush with paste after. What’s most important is figuring out the right order for you.

Step Two: Prep Your Floss

Figure out the right type of floss for your needs. Most people with braces opt for super floss, though you can use whatever you and your doctor feel is best. If you go with other types of floss, you’ll likely need to measure and cut it.

You’ll want about 18 inches of floss — roughly the same length as the distance between your shoulders. This should be enough to wrap around your fingers for control while leaving enough floss to get around the archwire and between the teeth, with room to move back and forth.

Step Three: Wind and Thread Your Floss

Effective flossing requires taut floss, which means wrapping the ends around either your middle or index fingers. However, since you have braces, you need to either thread the floss behind the archwire first, or wrap one finger, thread, then wrap the other. You can use a floss threader to make this easier.

Once you wind the floss around your fingers, make sure it isn’t too tight, or it might cut off circulation. Also, make sure you still have enough floss to make the proper motions, or else it will be ineffective.

Step Four: Floss!

Starting at the bottom of the tooth, work your way up the edge until you reach the triangular area of the gum line. Then, use a zig-zag motion to move the floss back down the tooth. Repeat on the edge of the other tooth.

Then, make a C shape with the floss so it also touches a small amount of both the front and the back of the tooth. Move the floss up and down both teeth. Use gentle pressure to avoid harming your gums or enamel.

Step Five: Repeat Steps Three and Four

Because of your archwire, you can’t just keep your floss wound around your fingers and move from one tooth to another.

You will need to unwind it from at least one finger, thread it again, and repeat the motions — and you will need to do this for every tooth. This isn’t ideal, but if you have braces, it’s just part of the deal.

Skipping the Floss

If your dentist or orthodontist approves it, you can use water or air flossers instead of string floss. Look for those with tapered tips specifically meant for cleaning around braces. Lean over the sink while using these and direct the stream between your teeth and along the gum line. Be sure to clean around your brackets and wires thoroughly, too.

Interdental brushes are also an option, and they’re faster than regular floss. Just keep in mind that you need to be gentle with them, since it’s easier to injure yourself while using them. Brush the sides of the teeth and along the gum line with them, as well as around your brackets and archwire.

What if Flossing Hurts?

Flossing can be a pain — literally. Instinct tells us not to do things that hurt, but with flossing, that’s often a mistake. If you haven’t been flossing consistently, starting can leave you sore. Of course, there are other, more concerning, reasons flossing might hurt. Here are a few common causes.

  • Being New to the Game: This is one of the most common reasons for pain after flossing. If you have never been a flosser or you’ve gone a while without flossing regularly, your gums might be sore until they acclimate.
  • Using the Wrong Approach: Gentleness is key. If you don’t use the correct motions and level of tautness, you might injure yourself. Ask your dentist for guidance, or watch some tutorials on YouTube.
  • Having Sensitive Teeth: Many things can trigger sensitive teeth, flossing included. Keep flossing, but you don’t just have to grin and bear it. Ask your dentist about options for managing your sensitivity.
  • Cavities, Cracks, and Other Decay: Whenever the enamel is compromised, it leaves the tooth’s delicate inner tissues vulnerable, which can cause pain — especially if the nerve is exposed.
  • Loose Fillings and Crowns: The bond that holds restorations in place can weaken over time. When you floss near loose restorations, it can move them, causing nerve pain.
  • Gum Diseases: Flossing reduces the risk of developing gum disease, but it can still happen. If you end up with gum disease, it might make flossing painful.

Because pain when flossing can be a sign of something worse, speak to your dentist as soon as you notice it. Just don’t panic; there is a good chance the issue is simple and treatable.

Final Thoughts

Flossing with braces can be difficult, but practice makes perfect. Be sure to use the right techniques and floss once a day, and soon, you’ll be an expert.

If you feel like you hit a roadblock, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Your dentist or orthodontist and their team are there for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is flossing so important?

Toothbrushes can accomplish a lot, especially electric models. Still, they can’t get deep into the crevices between the teeth or under the gums. Floss goes where brushes can’t, reaching the spots bristles don’t effectively clean.

What is the best floss alternative?

No alternative is a perfect option for everyone, so you might even want to experiment with them to see which you like best. Most people with braces already use interdental brushes, but water flossers, air flossers, and other tools can supplement them.

Are toothpicks safe to use?

They are okay for removing bits of food that’s bothering you while at a restaurant, but you shouldn’t use them as an everyday floss alternative. And when you do use them, be careful; they’re more likely than floss to damage your gums and braces.

Should I brush, floss, or use mouthwash first?

It depends on your preferences. The usual order is floss, brush, swish. This way, the floss knocks debris loose, brushing removes it, and mouthwash kills any remaining bacteria.

What’s the best age to start flossing?

Age isn’t the most important factor — dexterity is. As soon as a child’s teeth are close enough together that brushing alone won’t eliminate debris, they need to floss, but the parents might need to do it at first. Children can do it themselves as soon as their fine motor skills are strong enough to floss without hurting their gums.

What is the best time of day to floss?

Whenever works best for you! As long as you floss once a day (or as many times as your dentist or orthodontist recommends), you are good.

Should I see my dentist if flossing hurts?

Yes. While there is most likely nothing seriously wrong, it can signal more serious problems. Get checked so you can know for sure, and if something is wrong, get treatment as fast as possible.

Why does my floss always break while flossing?

You might be flossing too hard or not flossing with a new part of the floss on each tooth. Other possibilities are chips, cracks, rough edges on restorations, or loose fillings and crowns, which can all catch the floss. Braces brackets can sometimes wear down the floss as well.

Can I damage my teeth by flossing?

Yes. Using too much force, overusing toothpicks, and flossing too often can all damage the teeth.

How to Floss Properly With Braces: A Detailed Guide - Smile Prep (2024)

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