After Fastbraces® are put on your teeth, you must still follow a daily dental care routine to ensure your chompers and gums remain healthy during the aligning and straightening process. Flossing, for instance, is necessary to remove bacteria and plaque between teeth and along the gumline. This will minimize the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Here are a few tips on how to floss while wearing the dental device. 

3 Tips for Flossing With Braces

1. Use Waxed Floss

Using unwaxed floss while wearing Fastbraces® is a bad idea. The string could snag easily on the metal brackets and wires, leaving fibers behind. The coating on waxed floss provides slip, which makes it easier to glide the string around the metal hardware. Using a floss threader with the waxed floss will assist in accessing hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, including the parts of teeth behind the wires. 

2. Try a Waterpik

If you are afraid of breaking the brackets or bending wires while using traditional floss, opt for a waterpik instead. The pressurized stream of water washes away food residue stuck between teeth and along the gumline and biofilm around the hardware. Add water and antibacterial mouthwash to the water reservoir. Attach the tapered tip to the flosser and keep your lips slightly closed to prevent the liquid from splashing while you gently maneuver the stream.

3. Floss Before Brushing

Flossing before brushing your teeth helps minimize interdental plaque and allows fluoride from the toothpaste to penetrate interdental plaque deposits. When you brush, it's best to avoid whitening toothpastes, as the paste won't be able to access the enamel under the hardware. This will leave noticeable color differences on teeth after the braces are removed.

For Fastbraces® to correct teeth alignment issues, reach out to Drs. Bradford and Catchings Family Dentistry in Fishersville, VA. Since 1991, the friendly, approachable, and caring family dentists have been providing general, restorative, sedation, and cosmetic dentistry services to improve the oral health and appearance of patients throughout the Shenandoah Valley area. Visit the American Dental Association members online to see how they will enhance your smile, and call (540) 213-1966 to schedule an appointment.