To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire. Wrap the ends of the floss around your pointer fingers of both hands, but leave a few inches of taut floss between them. Gently slide the floss between each set of teeth using a back-and-forth motion.

Is there an easier way to floss with braces?

You can speed up the traditional flossing method with an inexpensive but indispensable tool. This small, plastic tool is called a floss threader. A floss threader helps you pull floss behind the braces wire easily. Using a floss threader will shave several minutes off your dental care routine.

Is it OK to not floss with braces?

In addition to stained teeth, you can also develop severe cavities, bad breath, and gum disease by failing to floss around your braces. Flossing may seem like an unnecessary chore, but nothing should keep someone with braces from flossing his or her teeth.