Do I Still Need to Floss with Braces? Here’s Why It’s Important

Braces are a fantastic way to achieve that straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, but they come with their own set of challenges—especially when it comes to keeping your teeth clean.

Your Westbury orthodontist team at Brush Hollow Orthodontics prioritizes patient education, so let’s break down the importance of flossing with braces and how to incorporate it into your daily routine without too much of a hassle.

1. Prevents plaque buildup: Braces create more nooks and crannies in your mouth where food particles and plaque can hide. If you skip flossing, these particles can lead to plaque buildup around your brackets and wires. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that, if not removed, can harden into tartar and cause tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Protects your gums: Your gums are just as important as your teeth when it comes to a healthy smile. When you don’t floss, food particles and bacteria can get trapped around your gums, leading to inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. Over time, this can develop into gingivitis or more severe gum diseases, which can be painful and may even affect your orthodontic treatment.
3. Prevents staining and white spots: When plaque sits on your teeth for too long, it can cause demineralization of the enamel, leading to white spots. These are especially noticeable once your braces come off and can detract from the beautiful smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Regular flossing helps prevent these spots by removing plaque before it can do any damage.
4. Ensures effective orthodontic treatment: Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in your dental health. To get the best results, your teeth and gums need to be healthy throughout the process. By flossing regularly, you help ensure that your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly and that your smile is in top shape when the braces come off.

How to Floss with Braces
Flossing with braces might seem tricky at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it becomes much easier. Here are some tips to help you master it:

1. Use a floss threader: A floss threader is a simple tool that helps you thread floss under the wires of your braces. Think of it like a needle and thread. It makes it much easier to get the floss where it needs to go without too much fuss.
2. Try orthodontic floss: Orthodontic floss, or super floss, is designed specifically for braces. It has a stiff end that helps thread the floss under the wire, a spongy section for cleaning around brackets, and regular floss for between teeth.
3. Consider water flossers: Water flossers are a great alternative if traditional flossing is too challenging. They use a stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around your braces. They’re easy to use and very effective.
4. Be gentle and take your time: Flossing with braces can take a bit longer, so be patient and gentle. Make sure to floss between every tooth and around each bracket to ensure you’re getting a thorough clean.
   
   At Brush Hollow Orthodontics, we understand that keeping your teeth clean with braces can be a bit of a challenge, but we’re here to help every step of the way. Our friendly team is always ready with tips and tools to make your Westbury orthodontics journey as smooth as possible.
   
   Remember, flossing is a small step that makes a big difference in your dental health, especially with braces. Let’s work together to keep your smile bright and healthy—during your orthodontic treatment and beyond.