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How to Floss with Braces
By Limestone Hills Orthodontics
How to Floss with Braces: Tips & Tricks for Easy Cleaning
Start by using a floss threader or orthodontic floss, which makes it easier to navigate around those wires. Thread the floss carefully under the main wire before gently moving it up and down between your teeth. Be sure to reach the gum line, but don’t force it—gentle is the key! Repeat this process for each tooth, and remember, patience is your best friend here. If you find it too challenging, consider trying a water flosser, which can be a great alternative. If you’re trying to find the answer to “How to Floss with Braces“, keep on reading!

Why Flossing Is Important with Braces
Braces help straighten your teeth, but they also make it easier for food and bacteria to get stuck in hard-to-reach places. Without proper flossing, these trapped particles can lead to several problems, including:
- Plaque Buildup – Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be cleaned by a dentist.
- Gum Disease – If plaque is left along the gumline, it can cause swelling, redness, and bleeding, leading to gingivitis or more severe gum disease.
- Cavities – Bacteria in plaque produce acids that can wear away the enamel, leading to tooth decay.
- Bad Breath – Food stuck between your teeth and braces can cause an unpleasant odor if not cleaned properly.
Flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria, reducing your risk of these problems. By taking the time to floss daily, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while ensuring the best results from your braces.
Challenges of Flossing with Braces
Flossing with braces is more difficult than flossing without them because:
- Braces create obstacles – The wires make it harder to pass floss between your teeth.
- It takes longer – Traditional flossing may take extra time and patience.
- It can feel uncomfortable – If done incorrectly, flossing with braces can cause minor irritation or discomfort.
However, with practice and the right tools, flossing with braces can become a simple part of your daily routine.
Tools and Techniques for Flossing with Braces
There are several tools that can make flossing easier when you have braces. Choosing the right method depends on what feels most comfortable and effective for you.
1. Floss Threader
A floss threader is a small, flexible tool that helps guide floss under the archwire. It works like a needle and thread, allowing you to pull floss between your teeth even with braces in the way.
How to Use a Floss Threader:
- Take a piece of dental floss (about 18 inches long).
- Insert the floss into the loop of the threader.
- Guide the threader under the archwire and pull the floss through.
- Move the floss up and down against each tooth and under the gumline.
- Repeat the process for each tooth.
2. Orthodontic Flosser
Orthodontic flossers are specially designed floss picks that have a narrow end to fit under braces wires. These flossers make it easier to clean between teeth without threading floss manually.
How to Use an Orthodontic Flosser:
- Position the flosser between your teeth.
- Gently move the floss up and down to remove plaque and food particles.
- Repeat for each tooth, replacing the flosser if needed.
3. Water Flosser
A water flosser (also called an oral irrigator) uses a stream of water to remove food and plaque from between teeth and around braces. It is a great alternative for those who struggle with traditional flossing.
How to Use a Water Flosser:
- Fill the water flosser’s reservoir with lukewarm water.
- Choose a setting (start with low pressure and increase as needed).
- Aim the nozzle at your gumline and between teeth.
- Move slowly around your mouth, making sure to reach all areas.
4. Traditional Dental Floss
Traditional dental floss can still be used with braces, but it requires extra effort and patience.
How to Use Traditional Floss with Braces:
- Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
- Use a floss threader to pass the floss under the archwire.
- Slide the floss gently up and down each side of the tooth.
- Remove the floss carefully and move to the next tooth.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Floss with Braces
Follow these steps to ensure you floss properly with braces:
- Choose Your Flossing Tool – Decide whether you will use a floss threader, orthodontic flosser, water flosser, or traditional floss.
- Get the Floss Ready – If using traditional floss, cut about 18 inches and thread it through the floss threader.
- Insert the Floss – Carefully pass the floss under the wire before sliding it between two teeth.
- Floss Each Tooth – Move the floss up and down along both sides of each tooth, making sure to clean under the gumline.
- Repeat the Process – Continue flossing between all your teeth, using a clean section of floss each time.
- Rinse and Check – After flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any loosened debris.
Orthodontic Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Flossing is only one part of good oral hygiene. To keep your teeth and braces in top condition, follow these additional tips:
- Brush After Every Meal – Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and braces after eating.
- Use an Interdental Brush – Small interdental brushes can help remove food particles from between brackets and wires.
- Rinse with Mouthwash – An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly – Routine check-ups ensure that your braces are in good condition and that your teeth are staying healthy.

Why Choose Our Orthodontic Practice in Austin, TX?
At our orthodontic office in Austin, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care for every patient. Here’s why families continue to trust us with their orthodontic treatment:
Skilled and Experienced Orthodontists
Our team has years of experience helping children, teens, and adults achieve healthier, more confident smiles. Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or jaw alignment treatment, we have the expertise to deliver outstanding results.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every smile is unique, and we believe your treatment should be too. We design customized orthodontic plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the most effective and comfortable care.
Support Throughout Your Journey
From your first consultation to the final stages of your treatment, we’re here for you every step of the way. Our friendly team is always available to answer questions, make adjustments, and keep you on track toward your perfect smile.
A Wide Range of Treatment Options
We offer various orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign, traditional metal braces, and reverse pull headgear. No matter your dental concerns, we’ll help you find the best treatment for a straight, healthy smile.
Contact Us Today!
Come visit us in Austin, TX, for a free consultation! We’ll check your teeth, talk about your options, and explain how we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Scheduling is easy—just call us or visit our website to pick a time that works for you. Our friendly team is excited to help and answer all your questions!
About the Authors
Dr. Rodrigo Viecilli – Orthodontist in Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I floss before or after brushing with braces?
When it comes to flossing with braces, it’s generally a good idea to floss before you brush. This way, you can dislodge any food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around your braces, making it easier for your toothbrush and toothpaste to do their job effectively. Plus, flossing first helps ensure that the fluoride from your toothpaste can reach all those nooks and crannies, giving your teeth and gums the best care possible.
What happens if you have poor hygiene with braces?
If you consistently slack on your hygiene routine with braces, it can lead to a few pesky problems. Food particles and plaque can build up around the brackets and wires, which might cause your gums to get swollen or irritated. This can also lead to bad breath, and nobody wants that! In the long run, you might even face tooth decay or white spots on your teeth once the braces come off.
Is Waterpik better than floss for braces?
Many people with braces find that a Waterpik can be a fantastic tool because it uses a stream of pulsating water to reach those tricky spots around brackets and wires, making it easier to remove food particles and plaque. It’s like a mini power wash for your teeth! On the other hand, flossing is still the gold standard for getting between teeth and under the gumline, but it can be a bit of a challenge with braces.