If you have braces, you’ll find that flossing is more difficult than it used to be. Brushing and flossing braces and orthodontic appliances can be a challenge. Food particles frequently get caught in braces. Plaque around brackets can cause white spots on your teeth, which can cause embarrassing moments. It can also increase your risk of getting tooth decay.

Cordless water flosser removes plaque and food particles from braces and it massages and stimulates the gums. The water streams through your braces, teeth, and under your gums and is powerful enough to get rid of food particles, plaque and bacteria.

Is it safe to use a water flosser for braces? 

Using a cordless water flosser when you wear braces is absolutely safe! It is clinically proven more effective than dental floss for people with braces. 

A cordless water flosser can be an excellent tool to help you get in those hard-to-reach areas to keep your teeth sparkling clean. The pressure or the way in which a water flosser works is in no way going to damage your brace if used correctly. Always opt for one that has the American Dental Association’s seal of approval.

How often should I use a water flosser with braces?

If you wear braces or other dental work that is hard to keep clean, you should use your cordless water flosser at least once per day. 

Daily use of cordless water flossers helps you maintain a healthy smile. Use your cordless water flosser more often if you need additional cleaning or to treat gum disease as directed by your dental professional.

The benefits of using a cordless water flosser for braces

A cordless water flosser is not a substitute for flossing. The water doesn’t penetrate as floss does, particularly between crowded teeth. However, cordless water flossers still have a host of benefits. The jet stream from a cordless water flosser can efficiently clean your teeth behind the wires and flush out any particles between the teeth without a problem. 

Some of the reasons we often recommend using a cordless water flosser for braces are:

• Faster: A cordless water flosser requires only about 1 minute per day. It is faster than flossing with dental floss. With a cordless water flosser, you can get similar results when using traditional floss in just half the time. The water pulsates, which massages the gum tissue, increases circulation.

• Easier than flossing: String flossing can be difficult with braces. Water flossers are a much easier solution and are great for dislodging food stuck in and around brackets.

• Removes trapped food: Cordless water flossing removes trapped food from braces and other orthodontic appliances. It helps in dislodging pieces of food that get stuck under wires or in tight spaces in your mouth.

• Removes plaque: Plaque build-up can eventually lead to cavities and gum disease. Using a cordless water flosser for braces gives you extra insurance that you are removing plaque as best as you possibly can. The specially designed Orthodontic Tip removes plaque around brackets and wires.

• More effective: Cordless water flossers are up to 3X as effective than dental floss and up to 5X as effective as a manual toothbrush for cleaning around braces. 

• Beneficial for gums: Cordless water flosser with a specialized orthodontic jet tip helps reduce plaque and bleeding gums in teenagers with braces. They are even effective for cleaning under the gum line.

• Makes flossing fun: If just the thought of flossing makes you groan, a water flosser might be just the trick to transforming your routine. Switching up your traditional method of flossing and adding some variety to your regimen could be enough to get you out of your slump.

• Less abrasive: Water flossers are very gentle compared to traditional floss. They are less likely to irritate your gums.

• Decreases risk of decay: It’s all about the bacteria that cause decay. If you can keep the bacteria under control, you have a better chance of reducing your risk of decay. The cordless water flosser removes bacteria well and in many cases, it does better than traditional flossing. The jet of water can reach into tissue pockets where bacteria like to hang out.

• Portable: If you need a portable device to use when you are away from home, a cordless water flosser is a big yes! 

Drawbacks of water flossers

The rinsing action of a cordless water flosser may not be enough to remove plaque completely from the surface of teeth. Some people like to use string floss first, to scrape off and loosen plaque. A cordless water flosser can then be used to efficiently rinse out residue and plaque left behind.

Cordless water flossers are safe to use and contain no risk, except to the wallet, when compared to traditional string floss.

Should I get a water flosser if I wear braces?

If you don’t take proper care of your teeth and gums while wearing braces, you run the risk of numerous problems. A cordless water flosser really puts all our flossing troubles to rest! It is the perfect addition to your oral care routine to help your gum health and protect your investment.

You’ll need to use a cordless water flosser in addition to flossing to get between the teeth. This extra oral hygiene step is completely worth it because it really helps and leaves you with super clean, healthy teeth and gums.

Be sure to speak with your dentist about any concerns you may have. They can also help you determine the best option for you. By ensuring regular dental hygiene, and visits to the dentist for routine exams and cleanings, you can maintain good oral health for a long time to come.