Flossing is one of the most important parts of your oral hygiene routine—but when you have braces, it can feel a bit tricky at first. The good news? With the right tools and a few easy techniques, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

At Michael Richards Orthodontics in Salt Lake City, we’re here to help you master flossing with braces so your smile stays clean, fresh, and on track for amazing results.

Why Flossing with Braces Matters

Braces create small spaces around your brackets and wires where food particles and plaque can hide. Without proper flossing, these areas can lead to:

• Gum inflammation or bleeding
• Plaque buildup and tartar
• Bad breath
• White spots or decay around brackets

Flossing every day helps prevent these issues and supports a healthier, more confident smile once your braces come off.

5 Tools That Make Flossing with Braces Easier

While traditional floss is effective, it’s not always the easiest option with braces. Luckily, there are several tools designed to make flossing faster, easier, and more comfortable:

1. Floss Threaders

A floss threader is a simple, flexible tool that helps you guide floss underneath your archwire. Think of it like a sewing needle for your teeth.

How to use it — Thread the floss through the loop, guide the threader under your wire, and floss between your teeth like normal. It takes a bit of practice—but it works!

2. Orthodontic Floss (Pre-Threaded)

Brands like SuperFloss or OrthoFloss come with stiff ends that make threading easier—no separate tool needed.

Great for — Quick daily flossing, especially if you're on the go or new to flossing with braces.

3. Water Flossers (Waterpik)

A water flosser uses a pressurized stream of water to flush out plaque and food particles between your teeth and around your brackets.

Why we love it:

• Gentle on gums
• Easy to use, especially for kids and adults with sensitive gums
• Reaches hard-to-clean areas under wires

Tip: Look for models with an “orthodontic tip” for best results.

4. Interdental Brushes (Proxabrushes)

These small, cone-shaped brushes fit between your brackets and wires to help clean areas floss might miss.

Use them to:

• Remove food particles after meals
• Keep your brackets and gumline clean
• Reduce plaque buildup in tight spots

5. Floss Picks for Braces

These are specially designed floss picks with a thinner arm that fits under braces wires. While they might not clean as deeply as traditional floss, they’re a great option for a quick clean—especially while you’re out and about.

Step-by-Step: How to Floss with Braces

Whether you’re using floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser, here’s the basic process:

1. Choose your tool — Start with a floss threader or pre-threaded floss if you’re new to the routine.
2. Gently guide the floss under the wire — Take your time to avoid damaging the wire or your gums.
3. Slide the floss between your teeth — Move it gently up and down along both sides of the tooth.
4. Repeat for each tooth — Don’t forget to floss behind your back molars!
5. Rinse your mouth — Follow with mouthwash or a quick rinse to wash away any loosened debris.

If you’re using a water flosser, move the tip along your gumline and between each tooth, aiming the stream at a 90-degree angle. It’s quick, effective, and gentle.

Helpful Flossing Tips from Our Team

• Floss at least once a day, ideally before bed
• Be gentle—don’t snap or force the floss between teeth
• Use a mirror when you’re first learning to help guide your technique
• Keep interdental brushes or floss picks in your bag for easy access after meals
• Ask us for a demo—we’re always happy to show you how to floss effectively at your next visit!

Why Oral Hygiene Matters More with Braces

Keeping your teeth and gums clean while wearing braces isn’t just about staying fresh—it’s about protecting the investment you’re making in your smile. Poor oral hygiene during treatment can lead to longer treatment times, decalcification (white spots), and gum issues.

At Michael Richards Orthodontics, we want you to not only finish treatment with a straighter smile—but a healthier one, too.

Need Help with Your Flossing Routine?

We get it—flossing with braces can take some getting used to. But with a little practice and the right tools, it gets easier every day. If you ever have questions or need personalized tips, our team is here to help.

Give us a call or ask during your next appointment—we're happy to guide you toward great oral hygiene every step of the way.