Ok i got braces today and i want to know if i have to floss after every meal. I know I have to brush after every meal...but how many times do I floss a day?
2006-12-22 14:49:38 · 14 answers · asked by ♥Choco Lover♥ 3 in Health ➔ Dental
I had braces for four years and flossing once a day is usually enough but remember to get the special floss with the plastic needle to get behind those metal brackets!
2006-12-22 14:53:19 · answer #1 · answered by asmidsk@verizon.net 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Braces, wires, springs, rubber bands, and other appliances can attract food and plaque, which can stain your teeth if not brushed away. Most orthodontists recommend brushing after every meal or snack with fluoride toothpaste and carefully removing any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces. Some orthodontists will also prescribe or recommend a fluoride mouthwash, which can get into places in your mouth that a toothbrush can't.
Flossing & Brushing Tips
To floss your teeth, feed the short end of the floss through the space between the main arch wire and the upper portion of the tooth closest to the gum. Use a gentle sawing motion to work the floss on each side of the two teeth the floss is between. Be careful not to pull with too much force around the arch wire. Begin brushing your teeth by using a regular soft toothbrush. Brush down from the top and then up from the bottom on each tooth with braces. Next, brush your teeth with a proxabrush or "Christmas tree" brush. This brush is specially designed for cleaning between two braces. Insert the brush down from the top and then up from the bottom between two braces. Use several strokes in each direction before moving on to the next space between two braces. Repeat the procedure until all teeth have been cleaned.
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
Most of the foods you like can still be eaten if you cut them into small pieces that can be easily chewed. There are certain foods, however, that can break or loosen your braces and should be avoided, such as:
Hard or tough-to-bite foods, such as apples or bagels
Chewy foods, such as taffy or caramels
Corn on the cob
Hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts and carrots
In addition to foods, do not chew ice or bubble gum
Caring for Retainers
Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainer as well. Once a day or at least once a week, disinfect your retainer by soaking it in a denture cleanser, such as Efferdent or Polident or other brand name solutions. Add the cleanser to a cup full of warm – but never hot – water. Thoroughly rinse the retainer with plain water before placing it back in your mouth.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/66/79609.htm
2006-12-22 22:57:30 · answer #2 · answered by childofGod 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it wouldn't hurt to floss after every meal as your teeth will be moving around a lot and could catch food in there that will later be a source of discomfort and plaque. i had braces for four years and flossing after meals is really useful because you can also pull all the food that got stuck in your braces and everyone will be able to admire when you smile later...!! take some floss or those little tree-like braces cleaners they give you everywhere. you may not always be able to brush, but you can always run to the bathroom to floss!!
dental care is very important with braces because your teeth are harder to get to and manage. committ yourself because you want healthy teeth when the braces come off.
good luck!
2006-12-22 22:55:22 · answer #3 · answered by michelle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We recommend flossing at least once daily. Proxy-brushes are nice to use also to get in between the bracket and the wire they are shaped like a Christmas tree and are flexible, you can find them at most drug stores, they are very helpful when you have braces. Hope it helps.
2006-12-22 23:06:36 · answer #4 · answered by jojo8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't have to floss after every meal. Once a day should be sufficient.
2006-12-23 03:38:47 · answer #5 · answered by HC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flossing can get pretty tedious when you have braces. I suggest you go to the computer supply store and get some compressed air with the little staws attached to the side. Get some water in your mouth, swish it around and then use the compressed air (using the straw) and blast out any foreign objects.
2006-12-22 22:53:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Once a day. Get the new Sonicare battery operated toothbrush if you don't already have the rechargeable version. It only costs $35 and the Sonicare is the best thing for braces.
2006-12-23 01:42:59 · answer #7 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teledine Water Pick. They made these things in the 80's and were really popular with people who had braces.
2006-12-23 00:49:22 · answer #8 · answered by moobiemuffin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you floss after every day
-or you could ask your orthadontist
2006-12-22 22:54:30 · answer #9 · answered by night.orchid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you floss if you eat a big meal, other wise swish with skope .. you don;'t to go around with food on your smile,, use a toothpick
2006-12-22 22:54:17 · answer #10 · answered by grumpy1961@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋