“How do you floss under braces?”
My 11 year old just got braces. How do you floss under braces?
12 Answers
Use floss threaders, bridge cleaners, superfloss and Platypus floss sticks
With braces, you need to use floss threader. You pass the floss in between the teeth with the threader. It can be difficult for a 11 year old. The easier way will be using a waterpik with the special ortho tip.
Unfortunately there is no space to floss with braces. What I recommend is a micro brush that is going in the small spaces in between the teeth. It is made by Interprox or GUM, hairs or plastic. Now the hygiene is the most important, so good luck and don't be afraid to brush his teeth also yourself, mostly before going to bed.
One can use crown and bridge threaders which can be purchased at the pharmacy or on line. There are several brands.
Your orthodontic office should have gone over this with you. You need to use a floss threader with floss in order to get under the braces and between the teeth. It is difficult to explain in written words. Here is a link to a video that may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_vHsOGiIo4
A waterpik is also very helpful with braces. If you still have questions, I would return to your orthodontist's office.
In health,
Dr. Rankin
A waterpik is also very helpful with braces. If you still have questions, I would return to your orthodontist's office.
In health,
Dr. Rankin
Ase floss sticks and specialized floss threaders.
Hello,
Flossing under braces takes a lot more time, concentration, and patience. The wire is the part that really makes flossing difficult, so whenever the wire is changed flossing in the regular manner should be taken advantage of. In the mean time, floss needs to be threaded around the wire and then between the teeth. This can sometimes be done easily in the front; however, if is not due to the flimsy nature of floss, there are floss-threaders that can be purchased at the local pharmacy. Floss threads are thin strip of plastic with an eye-loop at one end. The floss can be tied to the eye-loop and the rigidity of the plastic will help guide it around the wire. Then the floss can be used between the teeth. Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Flossing under braces takes a lot more time, concentration, and patience. The wire is the part that really makes flossing difficult, so whenever the wire is changed flossing in the regular manner should be taken advantage of. In the mean time, floss needs to be threaded around the wire and then between the teeth. This can sometimes be done easily in the front; however, if is not due to the flimsy nature of floss, there are floss-threaders that can be purchased at the local pharmacy. Floss threads are thin strip of plastic with an eye-loop at one end. The floss can be tied to the eye-loop and the rigidity of the plastic will help guide it around the wire. Then the floss can be used between the teeth. Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
There are various methods that can be effective. A Waterpik or mouth rinse can be good to clean around the wires and under the brackets and are relatively easy to use. For true flossing, one option is a "floss threader." The idea is that you thread a piece of normal floss through a loop and then pull the loop and floss under the wire. It is hard because this has to be repeated for ever tooth. A second option is The HARP Flosser. It is a floss stick, but designed to be small enough to floss around the wire. You can Google and buy both directly online. You can also pull up YouTube videos for both to see how they are used.
Marc D. Thomas, DDS
Marc D. Thomas, DDS
Purchase special flossers that help to place the floss behind the wire.
Most orthodontists will supply patients with super floss which can be threaded under wires to aid in flossing. Another option is using a water pic which uses a water stream to cleanse these areas.
To floss with braces, you need a product called “superfloss”. It has a stiff end that you thread underneath the bracket first, then you can floss that tooth. Slide the floss out, then repeat for the next tooth. There will be instructions on the package. You should be able to get this product at a pharmacy or through your orthodontist. I give it out to my patients.
One of the toughest things to do with braces is maintain a proper and effective oral hygiene regimen. Flossing is very time consuming but necessary. Even someone that is doing a great job brushing with braces, can end up have multiple cavities between teeth if they are not flossing.
To make flossing more manageable. I tell my patients to take it out of the bathroom. Floss while watching TV, or some other hands free distraction. This way it doesn't seem so mundane and an arduous task.
Methods for flossing with braces that we recommend are:
1) Airflosser by Phillips Sonicare
2) Platypus Orthodontic Flossers
3) Floss Threader or Superfloss
I would also ask at your next orthodontic appointment what they recommend and ask for a demonstration. An orthodontist knows that at some point you &/ or child will be a walking billboard for their practice, and they will want you to have not only a beautiful smile but a healthy one also.
To make flossing more manageable. I tell my patients to take it out of the bathroom. Floss while watching TV, or some other hands free distraction. This way it doesn't seem so mundane and an arduous task.
Methods for flossing with braces that we recommend are:
1) Airflosser by Phillips Sonicare
2) Platypus Orthodontic Flossers
3) Floss Threader or Superfloss
I would also ask at your next orthodontic appointment what they recommend and ask for a demonstration. An orthodontist knows that at some point you &/ or child will be a walking billboard for their practice, and they will want you to have not only a beautiful smile but a healthy one also.
