Flossing Methods That Work
Floss Threader
A flexible, needle-like tool that helps pull regular floss under your brace’s archwire. They are effective, simplify the flossing process, and are good for those who prefer traditional flossing. They also happen to be inexpensive and easily available.
How to use
Cut a piece of waxed floss about 18-24 inches long
Thread the floss through the loop of the floss threader
Insert the threader under your wire and pull the floss through
Wrap the floss around your fingers for control
Gently slide the floss between your teeth, moving it up and down along the sides of each tooth
Repeat for each tooth, rethreading as needed
Orthodontic Flossers
Pre-threaded flossers designed for braces are compact and easy to use. They often come with a stiff end to help guide the floss under the wire. Orthodontic flossers are ideal for quick teeth cleaning during the day.
How to use:
Place the stiff end of the flosser under the wire
Gently slide the floss between your teeth
Move the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth
Throw the flosser out after using
Water Flosser
This device uses a stream of pulsating water to wash away food particles and loosely-adherent plaque from between teeth and around brackets. It’s gentle on gums and is especially effective at cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
How to use:
Fill the water flosser reservoir with warm water
Select the appropriate pressure setting
Lean over the sink and place the tip in your mouth
Turn on the device
Move the tip along the gumline and between your teeth
Spit out the water as you go
Interdental Brushes
These are small, cone-shaped brushes that fit between your teeth and around your braces. They’re good for removing food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. They are a good supplement to flossing, especially for cleaning around brackets and wires.
How to use:
Choose a brush size that fits comfortably between your teeth
Insert the brush between your teeth and gently move it back and forth
Rinse the brush after each use
Traditional Floss and Dental Tape
Traditional flossing is effective but requires patience and precision when you have braces. Waxed floss slides more easily between teeth and is less likely to fray. Dental tape is wider and softer than floss and is a good option if you have sensitive gums or find traditional floss uncomfortable. It’s both gentle on the gums and effective at removing plaque.
How to use:
Cut an 18- to 24-inch piece of floss or tape
Thread the floss between the main wire and your teeth
Do in front of a mirror so you can watch the thread to make sure it’s going where you intend it to
Wrap the ends of the floss around your index fingers to make it easier to handle and control
Gently press the floss between the two teeth, and slide the floss up and down along the sides of both teeth
For the top teeth, make an upside-down U shape: Go up the side of one tooth to the gumline, and then go down the side of the other tooth
Remove the floss, and gently unthread it from behind the wire
Be careful to not pop the floss out of the tooth. You could accidentally knock the wire and pop it out of the bracket
Move to the next pair of teeth and repeat the process
