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How Do I Floss With Braces?

Home » Blog » How Do I Floss With Braces?

Castilla Orthodontics
February 16, 2017

Dr. Ana E. Castilla and the Castilla Orthodontics staff take the time to instruct each of their orthodontics patients in Salem, OR how to floss while they are being treated with braces. Wearing braces on the teeth can make good oral hygiene habits difficult to perform, can create spaces where food debris can collect, and they provide an environment for bacteria to thrive. Good brushing and flossing techniques and habits while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces is often a challenge, but flossing with braces can be accomplished effectively once equipped with a little advice.

Why floss with braces?

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) advises that flossing is just as important as brushing in a conscientiously applied regimen of good oral hygiene. Toothbrushes are great for cleaning plaque from the fronts and back surfaces of the teeth, but they simply cannot reach the sides, in between the teeth, and along the gumline. Food debris in the mouth feeds bacteria. The bacteria in the mouth creates acid that causes bad breath and breaks down tooth enamel. Flossing removes most of this acid-causing food debris to keep teeth healthier and breath fresher. All of this becomes even more prevalent while undergoing treatment with braces because the brackets and wires can often be a catch-all for food and bacteria.

Get in the game.

A floss pick is an instrument that is effective at keeping braces clean and clear of food debris. A piece of dental floss spans a space at one end, kind of like a harp. The other end is a tapered point that can be used to force food debris from behind the wires, around the brackets, and in between the teeth. Floss picks are available for both children and adults and may be either reusable or single use. A floss threader is a thin piece of plastic with a loop at the end to hold the floss. The plastic piece is threaded above or below the wires to access the spaces between teeth.

Up your game.

There is actually a technique for flossing that is proven to help effectively remove plaque from teeth. Carefully manipulating the dental floss between the teeth and into a “C” shape is a good method to clean the back surfaces of the teeth, including down by the gumline. Make an up-and-down motion against the tooth, keeping the floss tight against the surface. Floss each tooth individually and move in sequence. Keep going until each tooth has been flossed. A Waterpik® water flosser is an oft recommended method of flossing. It may be more effective than dental floss and works with a pulsating stream of water to flush out food or particles stuck between teeth and gums and to remove the plaque that can build up on braces.

Stay on the scoreboard.

A conscientious oral hygiene regimen including a fluoride toothpaste, anti-plaque mouthwash, and thorough flossing is the program patients in Salem, OR can rely on to keep their mouth after braces clean, healthy, and in the best condition possible. Dr. Ana E. Castilla and the team at Castilla Orthodontics coach their patients to a winning treatment outcome every time. They are important teammates in their patients oral health care. For more information about how to floss with braces, or to schedule an appointment, contact Castilla Orthodontics in Salem, OR today at: 503-399-0721

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Hear what our patients are saying about their experience with us!

Alec L.
I’ve always had a good experience during my appointments, everyone is nice and communicative. Their payment plan is the reason I am able to get braces!
manuel O.
Me ah gustado mucho el resultado que ah dado Castilla Orthodontia hasta el momento
Miriam M.
I have had a very good experience coming to Castilla Ortho, they care about your treatment and making sure you leave happy. Jenny is the best, she has been super helpful and so nice while helping me come up with an affordable payment plan so I could continue my treatment. I look forward to recommending Castilla to people that I know.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Miriam, for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your kind words about Jenny. We look forward to serving your friends and family!
Nicole T.
Took my daughter to her first visit and they were all friendly. They answered all my questions with good knowledge. And she started her treatment the same day. Great place to bring your child.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your glowing review, Nicole! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter's first visit was positive and informative. We look forward to supporting her treatment journey at Castilla Orthodontics!
Yenisbel H.
un lugar muy agradable el personal muy amable y profecional
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review, Yenisbel! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with our friendly and professional staff. We look forward to seeing you again at Castilla Orthodontics!
Sharayah M.
They are great!! Had the best option for treatment and payment. And did not hesitate to help get us started. Fabulous service and team! Thank you so much for being so helpful and making braces and comfort achievable.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sharayah! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. Providing excellent service and affordable treatment options is our priority. Your feedback motivates us. We appreciate you!
Chad S.
Before finally making the decisions to get braces for myself I had done several consultations and the cost/payments at other orthodontists was overwhelming. Then I saw an add for Castilla so I decided this was going to be my last consultation, if it didn’t go well then I’d be done trying. The consultation went great, the monthly payment was more than reasonable so I took the plunge and so far my experience has been great. We even had our oldest daughter get braces here, and even though she stared her treatment plan after I did and then had hers removed while mine are still on, I’m not bitter! 😜
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience, Chad! We're thrilled to hear that you found our consultation helpful and affordable. It's wonderful to know your daughter is also getting her braces here. We appreciate your trust!
Jose O.
Muy buen servicio muy pagos accesibles la jente muy amable..
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you appreciated our affordable services and friendly staff. Your satisfaction is our priority at Castilla Orthodontics. We look forward to seeing you again!
Daisy G.
My son just started braces at Castilla Orthodontics and they are welcoming and make my son feel so comfortable. They go through everything thoroughly. Definitely recommend starting your ortho with Castilla Orthodontics
Response from the owner:Thank you, Daisy! We're thrilled to hear your son feels comfortable with us. Our team is dedicated to providing thorough care and support. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing this journey together!
Andrea V.
I highly recommend Castilla Orthodontics.
The team is always so lovely and so friendly
😊😊👍🏻 any questions i have they always answer.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Andrea! We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation. Our team is dedicated to providing friendly service and thorough answers to all your questions. We look forward to seeing you again!
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We proudly offer affordable orthodontic treatment to patients from Salem, Dallas, Keizer, Monmoth, Mt. Angel, Silverton, Stayton, Sublimity, Woodburn, and the surrounding areas of Marion County.

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  • 434 Lancaster Drive NE
    Salem, OR 97301

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ADDRESS

  • 434 Lancaster Drive NE
    Salem, OR 97301

CALL OR TEXT

  • (503) 399-0721

Office Hours

Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

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