A floss threader is a specialized, rigid yet flexible tool designed to act as a guide for standard dental floss, allowing it to reach areas of the mouth that are otherwise inaccessible. This small, often plastic or nylon implement has a loop or eyelet at one end, resembling a large, blunt needle. Its primary function is to carry the piece of floss under or through fixed dental work, ensuring that the necessary cleaning can be performed beneath structures blocking the path of normal flossing.
When Standard Flossing Isn’t Possible
The use of a floss threader is necessary when fixed dental appliances create physical barriers to traditional flossing. Standard string floss requires an open contact point between two teeth to slide down to the gumline, but this pathway is often obstructed by dental work. A common scenario is with fixed dental bridges, where the artificial tooth, known as a pontic, is fused to the adjacent crowns. This leaves a gap between the pontic’s underside and the gum tissue that must be cleaned to prevent plaque accumulation and inflammation.
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces, wires, and permanent lingual retainers bonded behind the teeth, also create obstacles. The archwire of braces, in particular, completely blocks the approach to the space between the teeth and the gums. Furthermore, in cases of severe dental crowding or teeth that are extremely close together, a threader can sometimes be used to gently guide the floss through contact points that are too tight for manual insertion.
Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Cleaning
To begin the process, a piece of standard dental floss, typically 12 to 18 inches long, must be secured into the threader. Insert one end of the floss through the loop of the threader, pulling about four to five inches of the floss through the eyelet. This creates a leader, allowing the stiff, pointed end of the threader to be the first part to enter the mouth.
Next, gently guide the pointed end of the threader under the wire, bridge, or permanent retainer. Push it completely through the space until the floss emerges on the opposite side. Once the floss is threaded through the desired area, carefully grasp the floss on the far side and pull the threader completely free of the floss strand. The floss is now correctly positioned beneath the dental work, ready for the cleaning action.
With the floss in place, wrap the ends around your fingers to gain control and begin the cleaning motion. For a bridge, use the floss to scrape the underside of the pontic, removing any trapped debris. For the supporting or adjacent teeth, wrap the floss into a “C” shape around the tooth’s surface and slide it gently up and down the side, ensuring it dips slightly below the gumline. Once the surface is clean, carefully pull the floss out from one side of the appliance, avoiding a harsh snap, and repeat the entire threading process for the next section.
Alternatives to the Traditional Floss Threader
While the manual threader is a reliable and inexpensive solution, other specialized tools offer alternative methods for cleaning around fixed dental work. One common alternative is Superfloss, a pre-cut strand of dental floss with a stiffened end built directly into the strand. This stiffened section functions identically to a plastic threader, allowing the user to push it under appliances without a separate tool. The strand then transitions into a thicker, spongy section, which is effective for sweeping away plaque in the wider spaces beneath bridges and around orthodontic brackets.
Another popular option is the water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, which uses a pressurized stream of pulsating water to dislodge food particles and plaque. Water flossers are often recommended for individuals with extensive bridgework or braces because they can clean hard-to-reach areas with less physical manipulation. While highly effective at rinsing debris and reducing inflammation, they may not completely replace the mechanical scraping action of string floss against the tooth surface. They are best used as a powerful complement to manual cleaning.