Kids already have a hard enough time dealing with braces as it is, but having floss between all of the metal pieces and rubber bands can be even more challenging. At Glendora Family Dentistry, we encourage parents to help their children floss their teeth as it can be hard for them to do by themselves.
Getting braces for your child is a great way to promote good oral health, but without good hygiene also, your loved one won’t benefit as much as they should. Here are some tips and tricks to flossing with braces. Share this information with your children and work together to keep their teeth in shape!
1. Know What Tool to Use
Regular floss may not be the best thing to use with metal braces. Nothing spells disaster like a bit of dental wire being threaded through the hoops and loops of orthodontic braces. Thankfully, there is something that would work better during this time.
Orthodontic floss threaders are specifically advantageous to those with braces, as it helps floss all of those hard-to-reach spots without having to go through the painstaking process of threading through the braces. You can find them in your local dental section of any convenience store, or through your trusted orthodontist.
A Waterpik may work as well. These can be an excellent alternative to traditional flossing.
2. Get Waxed Floss for Better Results
There are many different types of dental floss. Floss comes in all materials and consistencies, depending on your needs. If you or your child have braces, the best kind of floss to use is waxed floss. Other types of floss can get shredded by the metal of the braces or can get stuck in between teeth.
Wax floss is smoother and allows for better success while flossing with braces. When using wax floss, make sure to:
- Use a floss threader and gently slip between each tooth up to the gumline.
Remove floss and threader and refresh before moving on to the next tooth. - Even with the added help of tools and materials, your child will likely still need help flossing thoroughly. As a parent, you can use this as an opportunity to help them take care of their teeth as best as possible.
3. Help Your Children with Their Flossing Habits
It’s tough for an adult to have the dexterity necessary to floss with braces, let alone for a child. It’s more important now than ever to help your kids floss their teeth while they are taking steps to maintain oral health. Braces can fix many misalignments and irregular conditions, but the metal on the teeth does not protect them from harmful bacteria. It’s still important to have a regular schedule of brushing and flossing every day.
All kids need to maintain good oral hygiene, but kids with braces are especially prone to a buildup of plaque and tartar. Proper dental care includes flossing every day and brushing at least twice a day to reduce the risk of conditions like gingivitis.
Learn to Floss with Braces the Right Way!
Flossing with braces can be quite a challenge. Children may not have the capability to do it on their own, so it’s essential to encourage them and to help them reach those tough-to-reach places. Helping your children see the importance of oral health will make their days with braces much more tolerable, as they can look forward to the day where their braces are removed, and their teeth are healthier than ever.
If you are looking for more information about the best health options for your kids, you can get in touch with our friendly experts today. Just contact us online, or give us a call at (626) 427-6236 to make an appointment.
