Flossing with Braces

As Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, here are some tips for flossing effectively and keeping those brackets and wires clean.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have traditional braces and need assistance with your oral hygiene routine, don’t hesitate to call us. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Brushing and flossing are essential for a healthy mouth. When wearing braces, brushing and flossing can be a little more complicated, but it is still very important. At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, we want our patients to be aware of how to brush and floss while wearing braces. Following these steps will ensure you have a healthy and stain-free smile when your braces come off!

To begin brushing, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth and the insides as you normally would. Next, brush along the tops and bottoms of all of the brackets. Plaque can build up around the brackets which can lead to strange stains and more cavities.  Make sure you are also still hitting your gum line, but do so gently. The next step is to take an interdental cleaner and scrub the sides of your brackets. This little, tree-like brush is able to get beneath the wire; so no spots are missed!

To floss, you will find that it is easiest if you use a floss threader. There are flexible, usually plastic tools that basically work like a needle and thread. They help you get the floss under your wires and back out more quickly. Floss threaders are usually found where most dental supplies are sold.

In addition to keeping your teeth clean at home, coming in for your professional dental cleanings is just as important. To schedule your appointment with Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952. For more information, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com.