A water flosser is safe and highly recommended by dental professionals for maintaining oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. It delivers a pressurized stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gumline. Its specialized function is uniquely suited to navigate the complex hardware of brackets and wires, simplifying the cleaning process compared to traditional string floss.
Why Water Flossing is Essential for Braces
The presence of brackets, wires, and bands creates numerous surfaces where plaque and food particles can become trapped. These orthodontic appliances shield large areas of the tooth surface from the cleaning action of a standard toothbrush. If left uncleaned, this trapped debris can lead to decalcification, which appears as permanent white spots on the teeth after the braces are removed.
Traditional string floss requires a threader to navigate the archwire, making the process time-consuming and frustrating. A water flosser overcomes this mechanical obstacle by using hydrokinetic energy to flush away debris. The targeted stream of water can reach under the archwire and around the bracket bases, areas that string floss struggles to access effectively. Research indicates that water flossing is significantly more effective than string floss in reducing plaque and improving gum health for individuals wearing fixed orthodontic appliances.
Detailed Guide to Flossing Technique
To begin, fill the reservoir with lukewarm water for maximum comfort and select the lowest pressure setting, especially if you are new to water flossing or have sensitive gums. Place the flosser tip in your mouth, lean over the sink, and slightly close your lips to prevent splashing before turning the unit on.
The most effective technique involves starting with the back teeth and working your way around the upper and lower arches. Aim the tip directly at the gumline, positioning it at nearly a 90-degree angle to the tooth surface. This angle allows the water stream to effectively clean the sulcus, the pocket between the tooth and the gum.
As you move along the arch, pause momentarily at each tooth, focusing the stream where the bracket meets the tooth surface and where the wire meets the bracket. Systematically trace the path of the archwire, cleaning both the top and bottom surfaces of the wire and bracket. This sweeping motion helps dislodge any accumulated food remnants and plaque. Once comfortable, you can gradually increase the pressure setting to enhance the cleaning power.
Water Flossing and Your Complete Oral Care Routine
Water flossing is a powerful supplement to your routine and should not be considered a replacement for mechanical brushing. Always brush your teeth thoroughly with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush before using the water flosser. This two-step process ensures that the large plaque deposits are removed first, allowing the water flosser to tackle the harder-to-reach residual debris.
For optimal results while wearing braces, water flossing should be performed at least once per day, preferably in the evening. Many water flosser brands offer specialized orthodontic tips that feature a small, tapered brush on the end. This design is specifically engineered to gently scrub around brackets and wires while simultaneously flushing the area with water.
While the water flosser is often more effective at cleaning around orthodontic hardware, some dental professionals still recommend using traditional string floss with a threader occasionally. The physical scraping action of string floss provides a different mechanism for removing sticky plaque from the contact points between teeth. Ultimately, the water flosser provides a highly effective cleaning method for most orthodontic patients, which should be discussed with your orthodontist.