How Do I Floss with Braces?

Posted on May 10, 2017

Braces are an investment and an important part of your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile.

In order to maintain your oral health while wearing braces, routine flossing is essential. Flossing helps remove plaque that is in between the teeth and under the gums.

With braces, food particles can easily get stuck in wires. If food particles aren’t removed, it can increase the risk of white spots, bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis.

Although flossing with braces can take practice, Fry Orthodontic Specialists recommend using a threader to help make the process quick and convenient for you.

Floss Threader for Braces

A floss threader is a type of device designed to thread floss under braces and other dental work.

While there are many brands and types of floss that work with a threader, you may find a waxed floss approved by the American Dental Association is less likely to shred and easier to use.

How to Use a Floss Threader

Improve your oral health by using Fry’s recommended flossing technique with a threader to help remove the excess food particles and plaque buildup between your teeth.

1. Start with an 18-inch piece of floss
2. Insert it through the loop of the threader
3. Tie the floss into a knot so it doesn’t come apart
4. Take the threader and pass it underneath the wire, away from the gums
5. Pull the threader through until you see the floss
6. Lightly insert it between both sides of teeth until you reach gum tissue
7. Gently slide it in an up-and-down motion to scrape away food particles and plaque
8. Continue until all teeth are flossed

For an example of this technique, watch our flossing video.

In addition to a floss threader, you can use other cleaning devices with braces:

• Interproximal Brushes: A small spiral brush that can be used between separated teeth
• Water Pik: Uses bursts of water to flush plaque from underneath the gums and cleans around wires and brackets

Perfecting the technique may take some time, so be sure to floss thoroughly and practice often!

How Often Should I Floss?

Ideally, you should floss after every meal. For convenience, take floss to school or work to have on hand throughout the day.

At minimum, floss at least once a day. Try flossing right before bed to remove any food particles that formed during the day.

Paired with brushing and routine checkups with your Fry Orthodontist, flossing with braces helps you maintain your beautiful smile.

Your Smile, Our Commitment

Need help mastering the technique of flossing? The Fry team is here to help!

At Fry Orthodontic Specialists, your smile is our commitment. If you have any questions or concerns about flossing with braces, please let us know.

For more oral health information, read our Orthodontics 101 guide.