Flossing With Braces

When it comes to dental appointments, there is one question everyone fears: how much have you been flossing? The answer should be at least once a day! This is especially true when you have braces. Braces make it harder to do certain tasks, but it shouldn’t with flossing. Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour of Southern Cross Dental suggest a handful of dental appliances to keep your braces clean. Learn more by contacting our office in Colorado Springs, CO.

 

Braces are a great way to create a winning smile. That’s why it’s important to keep them clean! Your braces give bacteria unique areas to grow and multiply. Food often gets stuck in these spots, attracting even more germs. Thus, flossing is even more of a necessity.

 

The most important tool in your orthodontic care kit is floss threaders. These small dental devices move floss under the orthodontic wire. Once it is in place, flossing can occur as normal. These are inexpensive and can be found at most grocery stores. It’s well worth the provided cavity prevention. Another great option is floss picks. These almost look like a small plastic prong. Between the two forks is a line of floss. The floss picks are small enough to circumvent the wire. Push the floss between your two teeth to resume business as normal. Lastly, waterpiks are an additional option. These are almost identical to tools found in your local dental office. Waterpiks spray a steady stream of water at your teeth, knocking loose any debris. They come with extra tools for orthodontic cleanings.

 

Although the act of flossing is itself important, you must make sure you’re doing it right. The flossing technique is necessary for success. Start by taking out about 18 inches of floss from the packaging. Using a floss threader, bring the floss to your teeth. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers. Make a “C” shape around the tooth. Carefully move the floss up and down, rubbing the gums clean.

 

Southern Cross Dental is located in Colorado Springs, CO. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, visit their website or call 719-471-1717.

Flossing With Braces

It’s a common belief that you can’t have tooth decay when you have braces. This is not true. Not only should you be brushing frequently, but flossing too! Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour have put together this guide for flossing with braces. The best thing you can do is invest in the various flossing applicators. Learn more by talking to our staff in Colorado Springs, CO.

 

You need to floss at least once a day, especially with braces. Try flossing after every meal too. Your braces create new alcoves for bacteria to fester. Food that becomes trapped in the orthodontic work attracts even more pathogens. Outstanding dental care becomes of the highest importance.

 

The most important tool in your orthodontic care kit is floss threaders. These are small dental devices that look similar to a sewing needle. You string your floss through the eye on one end. From there, move the threader under the braces wire. You’ll now be able to move the floss normally.

 

Another great alternative is floss picks. These look like miniature forked prongs. Between the two prongs is a small thread of floss. Move the floss around the wire and place it between the teeth. It works just like normal, cleaning your gums of any debris.

 

Lastly, many patients find success with waterpiks. These are similar to the tools used in your Colorado Springs, CO, dental office. Waterpiks spray a steady stream of water at your teeth. The pressure pushes out any trapped debris. Most come with attachments specifically for orthodontic cleanings.

 

Interested in learning more? Visit Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Faranak and Navid Rahimpour, visit their website or call 719-471-1717.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Wearing braces means you need to take a little extra time to take care of your teeth and gums. Good oral care is even more important while wearing braces because of the plaque that they can trap. Southern Cross Dental of Colorado Springs, CO is here to remind our patients of the proper way to brush and floss with braces.

Taking good care of your teeth with braces will ensure a healthy and good-looking smile when the braces come off. In addition to your normal brushing, make sure to also brush along the tops and bottoms of your brackets with a tooth brush. Then use an interdental toothbrush (the kind that looks like a mini tree) to brush the sides of the brackets. You will know you have done a good job when the brackets are shiny and the edges are visible. If the edges are still covered with plaque, you must brush more carefully.

Buy Superfloss or a floss threader to floss your teeth. These make it easier to get the floss under your wires and back out to floss the next space.

While a little more time may be needed to take care of your oral health while wearing braces, it will be worth it in the end when you show off that beautiful smile! To schedule your dental cleaning with Southern Cross Dental of Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717 or visit our website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com.