Flossing With Braces

Dental health and hygiene are always important, especially when you have braces. Traditional metal braces catch food and debris, making brushing and flossing crucial. Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D. of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL. has a few tips and tricks for flossing with braces.

 

With braces, your daily hygiene routine should take three times longer. Food has a lot more pathways to hide and lodge between your teeth. You need to be flossing at least once a day with braces to make the most of your oral health. One of the largest deterrents for flossing with braces is the difficulty. This doesn’t mean you should just give up. Besides the traditional approach to flossing, there a few other methods that make flossing with braces a lot easier.

 

Waterpik’s are unique handheld tools that spray a steady stream of water at the teeth. The pressure from the water cleans out food from the teeth and gumline. Special tips are offered to help clean orthodontic devices. This lets you clean brackets and between teeth easier.

 

Floss threaders are small, inexpensive tools that help pull floss behind brace wire. This lets you get around the metal work, allowing you to floss.

 

Dental tape is just like floss but more sensitive. This is a better option for flossing with braces if you didn't floss regularly beforehand.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D., visit our website or call 708-444-8341.