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Flossing Your Teeth Daily While Wearing Braces Is Essential for Healthy Teeth and Gums

  • True Smile Orthodontics
  • June 17, 2022

One of the biggest challenges to keeping your smile looking and feeling its best is to take the time every day to brush and floss your teeth (which also benefits your gum health). When you receive orthodontic care, you will want to step up your oral hygiene game to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy when your braces come off. It means brushing and flossing become even more tooth-protecting habits than ever. Flossing, in particular, is essential because your toothbrush can’t do the job.

Flossing, or interdental cleaning, removes the harmful dental plaque that builds up around the teeth and gum line. Plaque, or biofilm, is a bacterial film that attacks tooth enamel and gum tissue. And while toothbrushing does a great job cleaning tooth surfaces, it can’t squeeze into the areas between teeth. It takes a flossing tool to clear out those tight places where the teeth meet and along the gum line. When wearing braces, you need to be able to get in there and clear out the harmful bacteria every single day if you want to avoid preventable dental issues.

What Happens When Plaque Lingers Between Teeth

  • Dental plaque not removed daily quickly hardens, turning into tartar, which will need to be removed by a hygienist using tartar removing tools.
  • Lingering plaque and tartar target your gums, inflaming them, so they hurt. The good news is that catching gum disease in the beginning stage is removable, but not so with advanced periodontitis.
  • Dental caries or cavities crop up when tartar makes holes in your tooth enamel. When this happens, you can find yourself with toothache pain or infection with diseased gums and teeth that may need an extraction or a root canal to save it.
  • Chronic oral health problems have been directly linked to general health conditions, including Alzheimer’s, cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

Flossing Around Braces

If you wear clear aligners to straighten your teeth, you can remove them to thoroughly brush and floss, removing dental plaque. With braces, you have to be a little more dedicated. Remember, the key is finding a flossing method you like using to motivate you to floss your braces consistently.

  • Waxed or unwaxed string floss: Pull out the amount you need, wrap it around your index fingers and then glide it between your teeth and braces parts to lift oral bacteria and food particles. Throw away when done.
  • Dental picks: The floss comes pre-attached to a plastic holder, so you slide it gently between teeth and braces hardware to get rid of oral debris. Toss it after using.
  • Interdental brush: These tiny toothbrushes are ideal if you have small gaps between your teeth or braces that you can clean.
  • Water flossers: These oral irrigators come with tips that you can aim a water stream between teeth and your orthodontic appliance. It allows for a more precise cleaning while protecting your braces. Begin at the back of your mouth where the molars sit. Next, follow your gum line to clean each tooth. A good rule of thumb to follow is to aim the stream over each tooth for two seconds.

American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance

Finding your favorite flossing tool can help you achieve healthier teeth and gums with a beautiful smile. Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to check the product for safety and effectiveness. These safety and performance tested products pass strict inspections to help ensure you get your wanted results. If you are investing in braces to get your teeth straightened, shoot for a goal of decay-free teeth and disease-free gums!

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Our Reviews

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5-Star Care

We’re great at what we do! But, with over 1,000 reviews, don’t just take our word for it…Check out some of these fantastic reviews from so many happy patients throughout the years.

Lesly
Always very friendly every visit! Recommend to everyone
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lesly! Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us. We strive to create a friendly environment for every visit. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Lesly
Always very friendly every visit! Recommend to everyone
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lesly! Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us. We strive to create a friendly environment for every visit. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
madison K.
True Smile is one of the best offices i’ve been to. They’re super friendly and have such a loving environment. 10/10 recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Madison. We're delighted to hear that you found our team friendly and the environment welcoming. Your recommendation means so much to us!
madison K.
True Smile is one of the best offices i’ve been to. They’re super friendly and have such a loving environment. 10/10 recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Madison. We're delighted to hear that you found our team friendly and the environment welcoming. Your recommendation means so much to us!
Randy A.
The lobby team 5 Stars
The dental assistant crew 5 stars
The doctors 5 stars

Thanks guys for change my smile !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your outstanding feedback! We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful smile again!
Randy A.
The lobby team 5 Stars
The dental assistant crew 5 stars
The doctors 5 stars

Thanks guys for change my smile !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your outstanding feedback! We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful smile again!
Yeyson V.
The best ones in town for sure
My smile is so so so flawless thanks Guys
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It’s great to hear that you're loving your flawless smile. We're dedicated to providing top-notch care and appreciate your kind words! Visit us again soon!
Yeyson V.
The best ones in town for sure
My smile is so so so flawless thanks Guys
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It’s great to hear that you're loving your flawless smile. We're dedicated to providing top-notch care and appreciate your kind words! Visit us again soon!
Atziry M.
I am very happy at this place. They have great accommodations because multiple times I had to travel and they were great at understanding and rescheduling my appointments.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that our accommodations and flexibility made your visits enjoyable. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to your continued visits!
Atziry M.
I am very happy at this place. They have great accommodations because multiple times I had to travel and they were great at understanding and rescheduling my appointments.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that our accommodations and flexibility made your visits enjoyable. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to your continued visits!
Raven B.
Everyone here is super nice and helpful! This is an awesome place to get braces!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We do everything in our power to make scheduling, completing, and following up on patient appointments as seamless as possible.
Raven B.
Everyone here is super nice and helpful! This is an awesome place to get braces!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We do everything in our power to make scheduling, completing, and following up on patient appointments as seamless as possible.
Shonda K
The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable. They have made the entire process so easy foe my daughter to get braces and the appliances she needs to correct her bite.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Shonda, for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear our team made the process smooth for your daughter. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to continuing to support her journey!
Shonda K
The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable. They have made the entire process so easy foe my daughter to get braces and the appliances she needs to correct her bite.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Shonda, for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear our team made the process smooth for your daughter. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to continuing to support her journey!
Gladys G.
Es un excelente lugar, siempre te atienden a tiempo! Limpio todo super bien! 😃
Response from the owner:Thank you, Gladys, for your fantastic review! We pride ourselves on cleanliness and timely service, ensuring a pleasant experience for our patients. We look forward to seeing you again at True Smile Orthodontics!
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Braces off, confidence on!! Happy Friday everyone, we hope you have a lovely memorial weekend 😁

#memorialweekend #memorialday #happyfriday #bracesoff
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Happy work anniversary Anais💙 
From answering phones, juggling schedules, calming nerves, and greeting every patient with kindness! ☺️📋
You’re truly the heartbeat of the front office! Thank you for everything you do! 💐
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Braces, wires, and birthday cake Dr. Marty does it all with style! Wishing a fantastic birthday to the one who gives us all something to smile about!! 🎂🎉🎊

#happybirthdaydr #happybday #ortho
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Debond Friday 😁
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Happy Birthday to our amazing Treatment Coordinator Maria!! From first consult to final smile you’re the magic behind the scenes. Your warmth and organization make every patient feel right at home 🤍✨
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Red, White, and Braces Bright!! 💫 Wishing everyone a sparkling 4th of July don’t forget to show off that star-spangled smile!! 🇺🇸✨
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Today we celebrate a decade of dedication, compassion, and countless smiles!! Happy 10-Year Anniversary to Eliana your loyalty, hard work, and kindness have shaped our dental family in the best way. Cheers to the memories made and the smiles yet to come!! ☺️❤️
#happyanniversary #orthodontist #anniversary
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DEBOND FRIDAY!! Ending the week with some beautiful smiles 😁 

#debondfriday #nomorebraces
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6 years of smiles, support, and excellence! Happy work anniversary to our incredible Lead Dental Assistant Lisa, we’re so lucky to have you leading the way. 🤍✨ #orthodontics #leadassistant #braces
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See this stunning smile transformation! Whitening done right here in our office. ✨ Ready for your glow-up? Book your consultation today! (918) 364-2222 📆#SmileUpgrade
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Remembering the heroes who gave everything for our freedom 🇺🇸🤍 

#memorialdayweekend #memorialday #honor #freedom
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18187089868311620
Braces off, confidence on!! Happy Friday everyone, we hope you have a lovely memorial weekend 😁

#memorialweekend #memorialday #happyfriday #bracesoff
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18068134801980367
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. Marty, because one day isn’t enough to celebrate you!! Here’s to our incredible doctor 🥳🎂🎉
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18046251710415890
Happy work anniversary Anais💙 
From answering phones, juggling schedules, calming nerves, and greeting every patient with kindness! ☺️📋
You’re truly the heartbeat of the front office! Thank you for everything you do! 💐
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18361572007176189
Braces, wires, and birthday cake Dr. Marty does it all with style! Wishing a fantastic birthday to the one who gives us all something to smile about!! 🎂🎉🎊

#happybirthdaydr #happybday #ortho
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18093002518601460
Debond Friday 😁
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18099609331479104
Happy Birthday to our amazing Treatment Coordinator Maria!! From first consult to final smile you’re the magic behind the scenes. Your warmth and organization make every patient feel right at home 🤍✨
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18514275922051963
Red, White, and Braces Bright!! 💫 Wishing everyone a sparkling 4th of July don’t forget to show off that star-spangled smile!! 🇺🇸✨
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18065605703277823
Today we celebrate a decade of dedication, compassion, and countless smiles!! Happy 10-Year Anniversary to Eliana your loyalty, hard work, and kindness have shaped our dental family in the best way. Cheers to the memories made and the smiles yet to come!! ☺️❤️
#happyanniversary #orthodontist #anniversary
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18049851674410636
DEBOND FRIDAY!! Ending the week with some beautiful smiles 😁 

#debondfriday #nomorebraces
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18275885191261956
6 years of smiles, support, and excellence! Happy work anniversary to our incredible Lead Dental Assistant Lisa, we’re so lucky to have you leading the way. 🤍✨ #orthodontics #leadassistant #braces
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18002400572617266
See this stunning smile transformation! Whitening done right here in our office. ✨ Ready for your glow-up? Book your consultation today! (918) 364-2222 📆#SmileUpgrade
Open post by truesmileortho with ID 18049290158580328
Remembering the heroes who gave everything for our freedom 🇺🇸🤍 

#memorialdayweekend #memorialday #honor #freedom

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