Have Braces? Here’s How To Use A Floss Threader
Flossing—you know it’s good for you. You know you probably need to do it more often. It helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where a toothbrush simply can't reach. It’s just being consistent that’s the hardest part, especially if you have braces, a lingual retainer, or a bridge that makes flossing the traditional way more difficult. That’s where a floss threader comes in. (Like our Cocoplush threaders!) This handy tool makes it easier to floss in these hard-to-reach areas, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy.
What is a Floss Threader?
A floss threader is a simple, yet powerful tool designed to help you thread dental floss under bridges, around braces, or in other areas where it’s difficult to use regular floss. Think of it as floss with a precise, pointy end that guides floss between your teeth. It can be especially helpful for people with dental work who need to floss underneath bridges or in between wires and brackets.
Why Should You Use a Floss Threader?
Using a floss threader helps you reach places that are difficult to access with regular floss. If you have braces, a dental bridge, or any other appliance in your mouth, flossing is next to impossible. But using a threader makes it easier to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and keep them squeaky clean.
How to Use a Floss Threader
1. Prepare the Floss Threader
Start by taking the floss threader and a piece of dental floss. Next, insert the floss into the loop at the end of the threader. This is where the floss will be held, so make sure it’s secure. If that sound like too much work, then we’ve got something even easier for you. Our Cocoplush threaders already come with a precise, pointed tip—no need for any looping.
2. Insert the Threader Under Your Bridge or Between Your Teeth
Carefully insert the tip of the threader into the space between your teeth, under your bridge, or around the brackets of your braces. If you're flossing around a dental bridge, carefully guide the threader under the bridge where the floss needs to go. If you're using it with braces, carefully slide the threader under the archwire (the metal wire that runs across your braces). The end helps you gently maneuver the floss into position.
3. Time to Floss Between Teeth
Wrap the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, making sure to slide the floss up and down along the sides of the tooth. If you're flossing around braces or a bridge, take extra care to clean both sides of the tooth and the areas under the appliance. You may need to use the threader multiple times to clean around each individual tooth or bracket.
4. Repeat on Other Teeth or Areas
Once you’ve finished flossing one area, move the threader to the next space and repeat, repeat, repeat until all teeth are shiny and clean!
Flossing doesn’t have to be a hassle, even if you have braces, a bridge, or other dental appliances. Threaders make it easy and with a little practice, you’ll be breezing through your daily flossing routine with ease.
