Have you or your kid just gotten shiny new braces to fix a crooked smile?. You may think simple brushing is sufficient to keep them clean. It consists of brackets and wires that can trap dirt and bacteria. So if you are tempted to skip flossing, don’t do that, cause it can bring along grave consequences.
This step is crucial for taking out the food debris stuck between your teeth. Read this blog to learn why flossing could harm your smile.
Why Flossing Matters with Braces?
Braces are great at aligning crooked teeth and increasing confidence, but they are quite complicated to clean. The brackets and wires create zones where food and plaque accumulate, but your toothbrush can’t reach.
Flossing can reach those areas to keep your gums and teeth healthy while you receive orthodontic care. Here are the consequences of skipping this step:
- Food bits trapped between this device and teeth can cause tooth decay, particularly when neglected for days.
- You can experience gum disease and advanced periodontitis, which destroy the bone and gum tissue that support your teeth.
- Lodged food particles and bacteria can cause chronic bad breath.
- Irritated gums can affect tooth movement, delaying your overall treatment outcomes.
It is documented by the American Dental Association that children in braces are 50% more likely to develop gingivitis without proper cleaning.
How To Floss Properly While Wearing Braces?
Flossing while wearing braces in Staples Mill can be a bit tricky. Give these tips a try:
- Floss Threaders can help you in reaching behind the archwire, so you can access your teeth with ease.
- Orthodontic Flossers can streamline the process and make your teeth squeaky clean.
- Water Flossers use a strong jet of water to remove food and plaque where regular floss may not reach.
- Waxed Floss can resist shredding or snagging on brackets and slide more easily between teeth.
- Wind the floss around every tooth in a C-shape and slide it up and down slowly to clean completely.
Skipping flossing isn’t just bad for your teeth. It can make you experience gum disease, often with systemic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
Pro Tips for Flossing Successfully
Set a Reminder: Make flossing part of your nightly routine. Setting a reminder can help you stay on track on busy days.
- Keep Tools Handy: Store flossers or a water flosser in your bathroom for easy access.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Have your gums stopped bleeding, or does your breath smell fresher? That’s your hard work paying off!
- If you’re struggling, a dentist can demonstrate the best techniques for your unique setup.
Skipping flossing with braces isn’t a shortcut. With a little practice and the right tools, you can make flossing quick, easy, and even a little satisfying. If you need personalized tips or a quick demonstration, professionals will be more than happy to help you out. They can also check for your treatment progress and signs of diseases in your mouth.
Are you ready to take care of your teeth? Schedule a consultation today to get more detailed guidance.
