There are a lot adjustments people need to make when they get braces, and flossing is no exception. If you struggle flossing with your braces on, here are some simple steps to follow to make the process easier.
Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth With Water
To start, the best thing you can do is rinse your mouth with water to remove or dislodge as many food particles around your teeth as possible. Swish the water back and forth for about 20 seconds.
Step 2: Use a Spiral Interproximal Brush
Next, utilize your spiral interproximal brush to access hard-to-reach particles around the braces and teeth. Then rinse one more time to help remove those particles that you dislodged.
Step 3: Thread Your Floss
Very carefully, thread the floss under the arch wire of each of your brackets and pass it between the two teeth. Use a waxed floss to avoid leaving any threads of the floss behind.
Step 4: Move Floss Up and Down
Make sure to move the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth. This will help to remove any stuck-on particles.
Step 5: Repeat 3 & 4
Finally, repeat steps 3 and 4 to floss each of your teeth individually.