Saskatoon – Stephenson Orthodontics
Flossing is extra important when you have braces because it helps to remove plaque and food particles from the areas around the braces that a toothbrush can’t reach. This will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and can also help to keep your braces clean and reduce the risk of brackets and wires becoming loose or damaged. Additionally, flossing can help to prevent staining of your teeth and braces and can help to keep your breath fresh.
How to Floss with Braces
Properly flossing with braces can take a little more time and effort than flossing without braces, but it is important to do it correctly to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. Here are some steps to follow:
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and index finger, and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums, as this can cause irritation.
- Once the floss is between your teeth, use a “C-shape” motion to guide the floss around the base of the tooth, being careful not to damage the braces. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth to remove plaque and food particles.
- Repeat this process for all of your teeth, being careful to floss both above and below the braces.
- Floss threaders are a great way to help you thread the floss under the wire of the braces and around the teeth.
- Once you have finished flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining plaque or food particles.
It’s important to floss at least once a day, ideally after meals, to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and to prevent white marks or other complications with braces.
Preventing Decalcification (White Marks) on Teeth
Flossing with braces can also help to prevent white marks, also known as decalcification, from forming on the teeth. Decalcification is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria around the braces, which can lead to the loss of mineralization on the surface of the teeth. This can cause white marks or discolouration to appear on the teeth after the braces are removed. By flossing regularly, you can help to remove plaque and bacteria from around the braces, which can help to prevent decalcification and keep your teeth healthy and white.
Flossing alone may not be enough to prevent white marks. It’s important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing and rinsing. It is also important to visit your orthodontist regularly to ensure that the braces are adjusted correctly and that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.
**You should also maintain your regular appointments with your dentist to have your teeth properly cleaned without your wires. Make sure you coordinate these appointments with your orthodontist on a tightening day to replace your wire right after your teeth have been cleaned.
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Stephenson Orthodontics
301 The Tower at Midtown
201 1st Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1J5
