Is There a Device for Flossing with Braces?

Braces can make taking care of the teeth more difficult. Not only is there a lot of wires and brackets in the mouth that you have to brush around, but there is also a large amount of tooth surface area that is often covered with metal. Around the edges of the brackets where they are adhered to the teeth is a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque build-up. Left untreated, these areas can cause yellowing or discoloration of the teeth that has to be cosmetically fixed once the braces are removed.

Luckily, there are a few devices on the market that can make flossing with braces easier. Anyone who has braces should definitely invest in a threader. They are sold for under $10 at most drug stores and give you a useful tool to reach in, around and under the wires where bacteria are hiding. Many of these threaders can be used with regular floss, that is as the name indicates – threaded through the ‘needle.’ Then you simply hold the other end with your fingers as you do with regular floss.

It can also be handy to use single use threaders that have floss already attached to it. These are also inexpensive and come in perfectly measured out portions of floss, with the threading device at the top.

Some of the floss recommended for orthodontic use has a stiff end on one side that eliminates the need for a threader at all. These flosses can usually be found at specialty stores or by asking your orthodontist.

Many people also use the plastic or wooden flossing picks for braces since they have one side that can reach in and under the brackets. Often, these are too cumbersome to floss braces safely.

Searching for flossing products with braces is also about personal preference. By using something that you are comfortable with and that works with your teeth and braces – you will be more likely to continuously brush. Just make sure that the floss you choose doesn’t feather or shred as you use it as this increases the risk of popping out wires or springs.

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