A floss threader is a small, semi-rigid tool designed to help clean between teeth when fixed dental appliances like braces, bridges, or permanent retainers block the normal path of dental floss. It typically looks like a plastic needle with a large eye or loop at one end, which guides the floss. Without this tool, standard floss cannot reach the gumline and the sides of the teeth beneath wires or bridges, allowing plaque to accumulate. Using a threader makes it possible to maintain a complete oral hygiene routine, which is important because dental work can trap food debris and increase the risk of decay and gum disease.
Preparing the Threader and Floss
The flossing process begins with gathering the threader, your preferred dental floss, and ideally, a mirror. A piece of floss between 12 and 18 inches long is recommended, providing enough length for a clean section to be used for each tooth. Waxed floss is preferred because it slides more easily against brackets and wires and is less likely to shred or break.
To prepare the threader, insert one end of the floss through the eye or loop of the plastic needle. Pull the floss through so that about four to five inches trail behind the threader, leaving the majority of the length free for flossing. This trailing length ensures you have enough material to comfortably wrap around your fingers for a secure grip once the floss is in position.
Mastering the Threading Technique
With the floss loaded, the next step is to gently insert the stiff, pointed end of the threader underneath the fixed dental appliance. For braces, this means guiding the threader under the main archwire, usually from the gum side toward the biting surface. When cleaning under a bridge, the threader is passed through the space between the prosthetic tooth and the gum tissue.
Once the threader passes through the gap, grasp the pulled end of the floss and remove the threader. A section of floss is now positioned between two teeth and beneath the wire or bridge. Wrap the ends around your index fingers, leaving a taut section of one to three inches for maximum control.
Gently slide the floss down one side of the tooth until it reaches just below the gumline. Curve the floss into a “C-shape,” wrapping it around the tooth’s surface to maximize contact and scrape away plaque. Perform a gentle up-and-down motion, moving the floss from the gumline to the contact point between the teeth, completing approximately six to eight strokes for each side.
Repeat this process on the adjacent tooth, using a fresh section of floss to avoid transferring bacteria. After cleaning, carefully remove the floss by pulling it out from one side. Take care not to tug on any wires or brackets.
Common Errors and Solutions
A frequent issue is the floss shredding or snapping, often a sign of using unwaxed floss or applying too much force. Switching to a waxed or specialized orthodontic floss can prevent this breakage, as the coating helps the strand glide more smoothly. If you struggle to reach the back molars, try using a slightly longer or angled threader designed for posterior access.
Excessive salivation can make the floss slippery, but swallowing before beginning a new section can help manage this fluid buildup. If the threader feels too flexible, making it difficult to push through tight spaces, try a different brand or a thicker, more rigid type. Proper flossing should not cause significant pain or bleeding; if it does, you are likely using too much pressure or may need to consult a dental professional.