How To Use Dental Floss Wikihow

How To Use Dental Floss Wikihow

One of the most effective ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums is to floss daily. The American Dental Association even includes a daily session of flossing as part of its recommended routine because of how crucial it is to oral health.

In contrast, daily flossing isn’t the norm for most people. Maybe you just don’t feel like sitting down and doing it right now, or you don’t have the time. Whatever the case may be, maintaining dedication to a process that appears to be so time-consuming and arduous can be challenging.

Flossing daily helps to prevent cavities, plaque, and gum disease. If you’re not flossing, you should start—and re-evaluate whether you could be doing it better. Dental floss holds a central place in oral hygiene, yet many find it frustrating to use and don’t know how to floss correctly. You can learn how to floss correctly with a few simple tips and tricks. Read on to learn more about How To Floss Your Teeth With Floss Picks and dental floss thickness mm.

How To Use Dental Floss Wikihow

As any orthodontist will tell you, while flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have these devices. Luckily, whether you’re working with good-old-fashioned floss and your bare hands or any one of a number of helpful flossing tools, getting your teeth and braces squeaky-clean is a cinch once you get the hang of it.

Method1Using Ordinary FlossDownload Article

1. 1Use waxed floss if possible. When you’re flossing with braces, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of metal pieces and corners to catch your floss on. Because of this, you’ll want to use a thin, wax-coated floss whenever you can. Unwaxed, thread-like floss is much more likely to get stuck to your braces.^[1]
   • The amount of floss you should use can vary slightly based on the size of your mouth and your hands. Most dental resources recommend a piece about 12 – 18 inches (30 – 46 cm) long.
2. 2Thread the floss behind the brace wire. Grab the floss with one hand a few inches from one end. Carefully thread it under or over the main wire of your braces, taking care not to get it stuck. When it’s around the wire, pull it through so there’s enough slack on either end to grab. A mirror can be a big help here.^[2]
   • Be gentle. Do not pull on the brace wire with the floss — you’re just trying to get the floss behind it, not to “scrub” the wire itself.
3. 3Slide the floss between your teeth. Grab one end of the floss in each hand. Wrap the ends around your index fingers for a tighter grip. Adjust the floss so that it runs up the bottom of each index finger to the fingertip. Move one index finger inside your mouth and gently pull the floss so that it goes into the space between your teeth.^[3]
   • If you’ve flossed before, this movement should feel natural. You basically want to move the floss into the gap between the teeth, then push it down into the gap. For some of your teeth, this will probably be a tight fit — this is normal.
4. 4Slide the floss up and down. Now that the floss is in between your teeth, use your fingers to slide it up and down from the gums to the point where it’s difficult to keep moving it. Pull gently so that the floss rubs against the insides of both teeth.^[4] You want to “scrub” as much of this inner space as possible — try doing it five times against each surface.
   • This scrubbing motion may seem like it’s not “doing” anything, but it is. Flossing isn’t just for removing bits of food that get stuck — it’s also important for removing plaque, an invisible film of bacteria that can cause decay, pain, and discoloration if it’s not dealt with.^[5]
5. 5Carefully pull the floss out. Grab one end of the floss and gently pull until it comes free, taking care not to catch it on your braces. Congratulations — you’ve just flossed between one set of teeth!
6. 6Repeat for each tooth until finished. Go down each row of teeth and carefully thread the floss between every set of teeth all the way to your furthest-back molars. When you have “scrubbed” with every set of teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth, you’re done.^[6]
   • Take your time.^[7] Flossing properly when you have braces can take up to three times longer than a normal flossing session, but it’s especially important to floss when you’re wearing orthodontic devices because these devices can get in the way of cleaning with a brush alone.
   • You may also experience some gum bleeding which is normal due to inflammation which occurs when braces are placed in.

Method2Using a Floss ThreaderDownload Article

1. 1Try using a floss threader. Sick of painstakingly flossing with your bare hands? A helpful tool called a floss threader can make it easier to get the floss behind your braces. The threader looks similar to a small plastic needle, and it can be used to floss.^[8]
2. 2Thread a piece of floss into the eye of the threader. It’s the same way you would thread a sewing needle. Insert the plastic needle under the archwire of your braces and pull the floss through.^[9]
3. 3Use the floss as you normally would. Now that it’s in position, grab the floss in your hands and floss down between the teeth. Pull the floss out and repeat it with the same threader. The threader is useful for making it easier to get the floss into the correct position without scraping up your fingers.
   • Be careful when you apply the pressure to get in between your teeth — go gently with a back and forth movement.

Method3Using a Water FlosserDownload Article

1. 1Purchase a water flosser. Many dentists and orthodontists today recommend a special tool called a water flosser (or “oral irrigator”) to help with flossing. Water flossers are available online, in specialty stores, and even at your dentist’s office for about $50 and up (a popular water flosser brand is the WaterPik).^[10]
2. 2Fill the reservoir with water. There is an indicator line to show where the water should reach. Be sure to clean the reservoir regularly — you don’t want bacteria to breed.
   • Add also mouthwash to the water to increase the antibacterial protection and prevent gingivitis.
3. 3Use the water flosser. This tool shoots a narrow stream of water which can be used to remove particles of food and clean between teeth, though dentists don’t usually recommend them in place of flossing. They can be really helpful as a complement to flossing, flushing out some of the food that might be in particularly difficult-to-reach places. As an added benefit, water flossing can be used for gum stimulation, restoring proper health and function to gums that are inflamed or receded.^[11]

Method4Exploring Other OptionsDownload Article

1. 1Use dental tape. If normal flossing hurts, a smooth and sometimes spongy dental tape might not. Dental tape is a special type of floss that’s especially thin and wide — almost like a small ribbon. Dental tape is used in the same way as normal floss, but people who have painful teeth or gums often find it to be more comfortable.
2. 2Use an interdental brush. Interdental brushes are small, flexible, pointed brushes that have bristles that look similar to a pine tree. Their unique shape makes them perfect for cleaning behind braces — simply insert the brush under the wire and between the teeth, then scrub to clean. Interdental brushes aren’t available everywhere, so talk to your dentist or orthodontist if you’re interested in getting one.^[12]
   • You can also use a bit of toothpaste on the interdental brush for better cleaning.
   • Interdental brushes aren’t intended to be used as a replacement for floss. They can’t clean between the teeth as thoroughly as floss can. Instead, they’re used along with floss to ensure that the area behind the braces receives enough cleaning.
3. 3Use an orthodontic brush. An orthodontic brush is a special type of toothbrush with V-shaped bristles. These special bristles help it clean behind braces and other orthodontic appliances, making them a big help when it comes to keeping your teeth clean.

How To Floss Your Teeth With Floss Picks

How to Floss With Braces

by Dr. Tyler Coles – Premier Orthodontics

Ask anyone what the hardest part about braces is, and they’ll usually give you the same answer: flossing.

One study shows that only 30% of Americans floss their teeth when they don’t have braces…

…so you can bet that it’s even less when someone has another obstacle, like braces on their teeth to get around.

Why is Flossing With Braces So Important?

According to the American Dental Association, “Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.”

In other words, flossing removes plaque and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

If someone has braces, the risk for plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease increases dramatically. If you invested in braces to make your teeth straight then shouldn’t you want them to remain clean and healthy in the process?   

That’s why we want to show you the easiest, most effective ways to floss your teeth with braces. 

How to Floss With Braces Using a Floss Threader

Before you pick up some regular floss, you need to know that it doesn’t work quite the same way if you have braces… 

An extra tool is required in order to get the floss beneath the archwire. This tool is called a floss threader.

The best way to picture a floss threader is to first imagine a needle and thread.  The floss threader will act as the needle, and your floss will be the thread. 

First, pass a piece of floss through the floss threader…

…and then using the floss threader, “thread” the floss beneath the wire. 

Once you have the floss beneath the wire, you can floss as you normally would.

After you have flossed one tooth you will need to repeat this process for each tooth.  

The Pros of Using a Floss Threader to Floss With Braces:

1. Very Inexpensive – Your orthodontist will likely give you a pack for free (or you can pick some up for a few dollars on Amazon or at a drug store)
2. Reusable – One pack will likely last you months or years
3. A Process You’re Already Used To – No special tools are needed, just the threader and floss.

The Cons of using a Floss Threader to Floss With Braces

1. Tricky To Use At First – This is especially true for younger kids. Using the floss threader requires some hand skills that may prove difficult for young children.
2. Takes Longer Than Normal Flossing – . Because you have to repeat the process of flossing beneath the wire for every tooth in your mouth, this can be a time consuming process.

Check out our video about brushing and flossing with braces! It demonstrates exactly how floss threaders are used.

Overall, using a floss threader to floss with braces works well and many patients choose this option for its cost-effectiveness. But if you’d like to find a faster or easier option, keep reading below…

How to Floss With Braces Using Superfloss

Superfloss is essentially a piece of floss with one stiff end.

Dental Floss Thickness Mm

Thick floss: Thick dental floss is typically between 0.5 and 0.8 millimeters in diameter, and is often referred to as “wide” or “heavy” floss. This type of floss is best suited for people with wider spaces between their teeth or who have difficulty removing larger food particles.

Superfloss works similarly to a floss threader, only you don’t need to do the “needle and thread” process. You simply take the stiff end of floss, guide it beneath your archwire, and floss your teeth.  

1. Easier Than a Floss Threader – Most kids and adults figure this method out pretty easily.
2. Easy To Find – It can be purchased on Amazon or at your local drug store

The Cons of using a Superfloss to Floss With Braces

1. Also Time Consuming – Because you have to repeat the process of guiding the floss beneath the wire, it does take a little bit of time. 
2. Not Reusable –  Super floss is a one-time use product, so each day you will use a new piece and throw it away. This product isn’t too expensive, but while you are in braces you will likely need several boxes to get you by. 

Superfloss is a great tool that cleans well. Grab a pack next time you’re at the drug store and try it out for yourself!

How to Floss With Braces Using a Platypus Orthodontic Flosser

Platypus Orthodontic Flossers are one of the quickest, and EASIEST ways to floss with braces. 

There is no threading required with the platypus orthodontic flossers. The narrow side of the flosser is designed to fit behind the arch wire, allowing you to floss your entire mouth in no more than two minutes (usually less)!

The easiest way to understand how the Platypus Orthodontic Flosser works is to see it in action.  Click below to watch a video about how to floss with braces using the Platypus Orthodontic Flosser.

The Pros of Using a Platypus Orthodontic Flosser to Floss With Braces:

1. Fastest Method – You can floss your entire mouth in two minutes or less.
2. No Threading Required –  This makes it easier for young kids who may struggle with the floss threaders on their own.

The Cons of Using a Platypus Orthodontic Flosser to Floss With Braces

1. Cost More Than Floss Threaders –  The Platypus Orthodontic flossers are a one-time use product, so each day you will use a new flosser and throw it away. This product is still reasonably priced, however,  and you can buy them in larger packages to save money. 
2. Difficult To Find In-Store – This is most likely a solution you will need to order online.   You can find them on Amazon with free shipping and in multiple package sizes. 

How to Floss With Braces Using a Harp Orthodontic Flosser

The Harp Orthodontic Flosser is very similar to the platypus flosser – it too allows you to floss without threading. You simply guide the small end of the flosser beneath the archwire to floss your entire mouth; no threading required!  

Watch the video below to learn more about the harp flosser and to see it in action.

The Pros of Using a Harp Orthodontic Flosser to Floss With Braces:

1. Quick And Easy –  You can floss your entire mouth in two minutes or less.
2. No Threading Required – This makes it easier for young kids who may struggle with the floss threaders on their own.
3. Reusable For Up To A Week – , This means less total flossers you will have to buy throughout the time you have braces.

The Cons of Using a Harp Orthodontic Flosser to Floss With Braces

1. Cost More Than Floss Threaders – Harp Flossers cost more than floss threaders, but they are still very reasonable.  To get a month’s supply of Harp flossers it comes out to about $5!
2. Difficult To Find – They can’t be found at local drug stores or on Amazon, but you can order them direct on the Harp company website. 

How to Floss With Braces Using a Waterpik or Water Flosser

A Waterpik is a popular brand of water flosser.  A water flosser is a device that delivers a stream of pressurized pulsating water between your teeth, along the gum line, and around your braces.  If you find that string floss, no matter the type,  is too difficult to do on a daily basis, then a water flosser might be a good choice for you!

In addition to cleaning between your teeth like floss, a water flosser can also help remove food debris along the gum and around the braces. Watch the video below to see how a water flosser can help you floss with braces and keep your braces clean.

The Pros of Using a Waterpik or Water Flosser to Floss With Braces:

1. No String Required –  If you or your child struggles with string floss, a water flosser is likely the best answer. It’s quick, easy and lets you floss your entire mouth in two minutes or less.
2. Helps Around The Braces And Gum Line  – String floss just can’t get to these areas.
3. Easy To Find – You can pick Waterpiks or water flossers up at your local drug store or online.
4. One-Time Investment – One unit will last the entire time you’re in braces—plus a long time after that! This is also the most eco-friendly choice, as it allow you to entirely eliminate trash waste from your flossing routine.

The Cons of Using a Waterpik or Water Flosser to Floss With Braces

1. Most Expensive – Portable units start around $30, and counter top units may cost up to $70. But remember, you never have to replace it while you’re wearing braces.
2. Not Portable –  A water flosser does require you to be near a sink in order to use it.

No matter which type of floss you choose . . . there’s no doubt that flossing with braces is crucial to maintaining healthy teeth, healthy gums, and avoiding bad breath with braces. 

With the tools listed above, you’ll find it easier and less time consuming than ever to floss with braces.

Flossing with braces hurts

It’s important to keep your braces and teeth properly clean. Otherwise, you may end up with gum disease and decalcification of your teeth! Cleaning teeth in braces isn’t hard; it just takes time and patience. When you first get your braces on, brushing and flossing will probably take 10 to 20 minutes. As you get used to your braces and time passes, you’ll get faster at it.

The first few days after you get your braces, your teeth and gums may be very sensitive. It may be extremely difficult to brush and floss properly because of this sensitivity. Just do your best. You may need to take a break from flossing for a few days until the initial pain and sensitivity subside.

How often should you brush your teeth? Ideally, after every meal and snack. Of course, that may not be realistic. Just brush as often as you can. In between, swish water in your mouth or just rinse and spit a few times. Make sure that you floss at least once a day.