Having braces means embracing a few changes to how you do things. There are foods you shouldn’t eat because they can damage your braces. There are others you shouldn’t eat because they put your teeth at a greater risk of developing cavities than normal. Cleaning teeth is also more of a challenge with braces. Fortunately, using a water flosser can make keeping your teeth clean easier.
Types of Water Flossers
Did you know that there are different types of water flossers? They come in four basic types: countertop, battery-operated or cordless, shower, and faucet. A countertop water flosser has an irrigation tank that holds the water for the flosser. It plugs into the wall and sits on the countertop. A battery-operated or cordless water flosser is much more portable, though it’s not always as powerful as a countertop water flosser. A shower flosser goes in your shower and attaches to your shower head. Their design doesn’t require an irrigation tank or batteries. Faucet water flossers are similar–they just attach to your water basin instead of the shower head. Both shower and faucet water flossers tend to be less maneuverable than the other types, but they’re still effective.
How to Use a Water Flosser
To use a water flosser, start by properly connecting it to a water source. This will depend on the type of water flosser you have. Turn the pressure control to low, lean over the sink, and place the tip in your mouth before turning the water on. Once the water is on, start by cleaning your back teeth, aiming the water at the gum line. Move the spray so that it hits the gum line, between the teeth, and around the bracket before moving on to the next tooth.
Benefits of Using a Water Flosser
Using a water flosser makes it easier to get tiny food particles out of your braces and between your teeth. There’s no need to wrestle with threading floss through your braces. All you have to do is spray your teeth and the braces with water. They’re more comfortable to use than string floss and require less technique to use properly. You may also find a water flosser helpful if you have bleeding gums, a dry mouth, or if you regularly get food stuck between your teeth.
There’s no denying that braces are excellent at moving teeth into their proper places. There’s also no denying that they make keeping your teeth clean much more difficult. Use tools like water flossers, proxy brushes, and a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste to keep both your teeth and braces clean. That will help your teeth be cavity free and look evenly white when the braces are removed.
Braces can be expensive, but Stellar Orthodontics believes that everyone should be able to afford the orthodontic care they need. That’s why we offer in-house financing options! Click here to learn more today!