Reviewed by Dr. Amir Davoody, board-certified orthodontist (ABO Diplomate).
Flossing is easy to skip, but it is essential to oral health, and even more so during orthodontic treatment. Brackets and wires create extra spots where food and plaque hide, so flossing is your best tool for keeping your mouth healthy while your smile straightens.
Why is flossing important?
Flossing removes plaque from the hard-to-reach places a toothbrush misses: under the gumline and between teeth. Doing it daily lowers your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. It is just as important as brushing twice a day, and with braces those risks rise because there are more places for debris to collect. Building a consistent flossing habit now supports your oral health for years to come.
How often should you floss with braces?
Floss at least once a day. Because braces make it easier for food to get trapped, floss after meals when needed in addition to your nightly routine. If you are out and cannot floss, swish water to clear loose particles and floss as soon as you are home.
What is the best way to floss with braces?
A few simple habits make a big difference:
- Use plenty of floss. It is inexpensive, so use a fresh section for each tooth rather than reusing the same stretch.
- Be gentle. Do not jam floss between teeth; slow, steady motion is more effective and more comfortable.
- Keep a firm grip. Wrapping the floss around your fingers gives you control over where it goes and how much pressure you use.
Braces make flossing trickier than with aligners or no appliance, but the right tools help. Floss threaders, orthodontic floss, and a proxy (interdental) brush all make it easier to clean around wires. Ask which tools fit your braces best.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to floss with braces? Yes. Braces trap more debris, so flossing is critical to preventing decay and gum problems during treatment.
What tools make flossing with braces easier? Floss threaders, orthodontic floss, a water flosser, and interdental brushes.
How long does it take? A few extra minutes a day, which is well worth protecting your enamel and gums.
Keep your smile healthy during treatment
Good flossing habits protect the investment you are making in your smile. For more on day-to-day care, see our braces care guide, or schedule a visit with Dr. Amir Davoody.
Davoody & Hablinski Orthodontics
5311 Kirby Dr Ste 209, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 521-2727