Wearing orthodontic braces creates numerous tiny spaces where food particles and plaque easily become trapped. A toothbrush, even a specialized one, cannot effectively reach the surfaces between your teeth or the areas directly under the archwire. Skipping flossing allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate, compromising both your dental health and the success of your orthodontic treatment. Consistent daily flossing is the only way to clean these hard-to-reach areas and prevent serious complications.
Early Warning Signs: Plaque Buildup and Gum Inflammation
The most immediate consequence of neglecting to floss is the rapid buildup of plaque at the gum line and around the brackets. Within 24 to 48 hours, this bacterial film begins to harden into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing. Plaque bacteria produce toxins that irritate the soft tissue, leading to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Gingivitis is characterized by gums that are red, swollen, and prone to bleeding when brushing or flossing. This inflammation is often reversible with a return to diligent flossing and hygiene practices. A secondary side effect of bacterial accumulation and trapped food particles is halitosis, or persistent bad breath.
Long-Term Damage: Decalcification and Enamel Erosion
If poor flossing continues, the acids produced by plaque bacteria attack the tooth’s surface, causing a loss of minerals from the enamel. This process, known as decalcification, is the precursor to tooth decay. Mineral loss often appears as chalky white spots on the tooth surface, concentrated adjacent to the brackets where cleaning neglect occurs.
These “white spots” are permanent scars that become obvious only after the braces are removed, compromising the aesthetic goal of the treatment. If decalcification is left untreated, the enamel breakdown progresses into irreversible cavities. Developing new cavities during treatment necessitates restorative dental work, which complicates and delays the orthodontic timeline.
How Poor Hygiene Affects Orthodontic Progress
Poor hygiene can directly interfere with the mechanics of your orthodontic treatment, beyond damaging the tooth structure. Inflamed and swollen gums resulting from gingivitis can physically impede the intended movement of the teeth. Since movement relies on a healthy foundation, unhealthy gum tissue disrupts the forces applied by the braces.
This interference can slow the overall rate of tooth movement, potentially extending the total time you must wear your braces. Furthermore, the acidic environment created by severe plaque buildup weakens the adhesive used to attach the brackets. This increased acidity leads to a higher risk of bracket failure, requiring unscheduled repair appointments that prolong the treatment schedule.
Essential Flossing Tools and Techniques for Braces
Because traditional string floss is difficult to maneuver around the wires and brackets, specialized tools are available to make flossing manageable.
Floss Threaders
A floss threader is a small, rigid, plastic loop that acts like a needle to pull the floss under the archwire. To use it, thread about 18 inches of floss through the loop, guide the stiff end under the wire between two teeth, and then use the exposed floss to clean the sides of both teeth up to the gum line.
Water Flossers
Another highly effective tool is the water flosser, or oral irrigator, which uses a pressurized stream of water to flush out food particles and plaque from around the brackets and beneath the gum line. While water flossers are excellent for convenience and reaching tight spots, they are often recommended in conjunction with manual flossing for the most thorough plaque removal.
Orthodontic Floss
Orthodontic floss, also called Superfloss, is another option. It features a stiff end for threading, a spongy section for cleaning, and a regular floss end.