As you will know from any orthodontist, dental floss can be difficult to use with traditional metal braces, yet it is more important than ever to keep the interstitial spaces clean if you wear braces. In any case, whether you use good traditional dental floss and your hands, or one of the many cleaning tools out there today, having shiny teeth and braces is a breeze once you understand how to do it.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Regular Dental Floss
Step 1. Use waxed dental floss if possible
When you floss your teeth and have braces, it is important to remember that there are lots of metal pieces and grab points where the floss can clip. For this reason, it's best to use a thin, wax-coated one whenever you can. An unwaxed model is more likely to hook into the appliance.
The recommended length of the thread may vary slightly, depending on the size of the mouth and hands. Most of the available information recommends a length of 30 to 45cm
Step 2. Thread the thread behind the appliance
Grasp it with one hand about 5-10 cm from one end. Carefully slide it under or over the fixture's armature, being careful not to get it caught. Then, slide it just enough that you can grab it on both ends. A mirror here can be of great help.
Proceed gently. Do not force the appliance - just try to thread the dental floss behind it, not to "scrub thoroughly" the appliance
Step 3. Push the floss between your teeth
Grasp the ends with your hands. Wrap them around your index fingers for a more secure grip. Adjust the thread so that it runs from the base of each index finger towards the tip of your finger. Move an index finger into your mouth and gently pull the floss so that it sits in the space between your teeth.
If you've used floss before, this motion should feel natural. It involves moving it into the "groove" between the teeth and then pushing it down into the interstitial space. For some of your teeth, the gap will likely be too tight - this is normal
Step 4. Slide it up and down
Now that it's between your teeth, use your fingers to run the floss up and down from the gums to the point where it's hard to keep moving. Pull gently so that the floss rubs the walls of both teeth. You have to try to "thoroughly clean" this internal space as best you can.
Scrubbing, running the thread, doesn't seem to "produce" results, but it doesn't. Not only are you able to remove trapped bits of food, but it's especially important to get rid of plaque, an invisible film containing bacteria that can cause tooth decay, pain and stains if not removed
Step 5. Pull out the thread gently
Grab one end and gently pull until the thread comes off, being careful not to hook the appliance. Congratulations, you just flossed a group of teeth!
Step 6. Repeat for each tooth until finished
Go to each row of teeth and carefully thread the floss between the different sets of teeth, all the way to the back of the molars. When you have "thoroughly cleaned" all the teeth on the upper and lower jaws of the mouth, you are done.
Proceed calmly. When you have braces, flossing properly can take up to three times the usual amount of time; however, it is very important that you do this, because brushing alone is not enough to clean your teeth if you use these devices
Method 2 of 4: Use a thread passing needle
Step 1. Try using a floss needle to thread the floss
If you are tired of threading your hands behind the appliance, this handy tool can make it easier. The thread needle is similar to a small plastic needle and can be used to clean with thread.
Step 2. Thread part of the thread through the eye of the needle
Do it as you would a sewing needle. Insert the plastic wire guide under the fixture armature and pull the wire.
Step 3. Floss as you normally would
Once in place, grab it with your hands and rub it between your teeth. Pull it out and repeat using the same passer. The thread guide is useful to facilitate the correct positioning of the thread without martyring the fingers.
Method 3 of 4: Use a Waterpik Toothbrush
Step 1. Buy a Waterpik
Many dentists and orthodontists today recommend a special tool called the Waterpik (or "oral water jet") to help clean your teeth thoroughly. Waterpik toothbrushes are available online, in specialty stores and even at some dental offices starting at around € 55.
Step 2. Fill the tank with water
There is a line indicating how much to fill. Make sure you clean the tank regularly - it is not recommended to let bacteria proliferate.
Step 3. Use the Waterpik
This tool fires a thin stream of water that can be used to remove food particles and to clean between the teeth, although dentists don't usually recommend it to replace floss. Instead, it can be really useful as a complement, eliminating food residues in particularly hard-to-reach places. The Waterpik has the further advantage of being able to be used to stimulate the gums, restoring their health and proper function in case of inflammation or gingival recession.
Method 4 of 4: Other Options
Step 1. Use dental tape
If you can't stand regular dental floss, a smooth and sometimes spongy tape might be fine. It is a special cleaning tool, particularly thin and wide - almost like a small sling. Dental tape is used like regular floss, but many people with sensitive teeth or gums often find it more comfortable.
Step 2. Use a pipe cleaner
It is a small, flexible and pointed toothbrush with bristles that make it look like a Christmas tree. The particular shape is especially suitable for cleaning behind the appliance - simply insert it between the metal wires of the appliance and the teeth, then scrub to clean. Toothbrushes aren't found everywhere, so talk to your dentist or orthodontist if you're interested in purchasing one.
Toothbrushes are not a substitute for dental floss. They can't clean between their teeth as carefully as floss, but they can be used as a complement to make sure the area behind the appliance is kept clean enough
Step 3. Use an orthodontic toothbrush
It is a special toothbrush with V-shaped bristles. This particular shape helps to clean behind the appliance and behind other orthodontic devices, making it very useful for keeping teeth clean.
Like pipe cleaners, orthodontic brushes should also be used with dental floss, not as a replacement
Advice
- Try applying some pressure to the sides of your teeth to help remove plaque. However, don't push the floss forcefully into the gums - this can damage them.
- Don't forget to clean the back of your back molars!
- Don't be scared if you see some blood on the floss after using it for the first time. If you're not in serious pain, don't worry. You should bleed less once you get used to using it. However, if the blood traces do not tend to subside, talk to your dentist.
