Why are Water Flossers Great for Braces?
Even without braces, daily flossing can be quite the challenge. But when you have braces, flossing regularly can be even more of a chore, especially working around those wires and brackets where food particles often get caught. Plaque around brackets can cause multiple dental problems, including gum disease if left untreated. A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, is a perfect solution, along with traditional string floss, for somebody with braces. The pressurized water is one of the best ways to get food out of your braces without you having to worry weaving traditional dental floss in and out of your teeth.
Water flossers, in conjunction with string floss, are the best solution for a through interdental clean between teeth when you have braces for a number of reasons:
Helps Prevent Decalcification - Decalcification—or, weakening of your tooth’s enamel—happens as a result of plaque and acid getting stuck, causing white spots that can be very sensitive. It often occurs when individuals have trouble cleaning certain areas of their teeth behind braces. Decalcification is impossible to correct, so prevention is critical. A water flosser can reach those areas easier than conventional string floss.
Easier Than Flossing - String flossing can be difficult with braces. Oral irrigators are a much easier solution, and are great for dislodging food stuck in and around brackets.
Best Water Flossers for Braces?
With a water flosser flossing with braces is far less of a chore. But with so many out there, how do you know which to choose? Ultimately, the right model depends on the features that best suit your needs. A water flosser with multiple modes like those in Oral-B’s lineup is perfect for a person with braces. Variable modes—including a sensitive mode for those with sensitive gums—allow you to customize your clean to get food left in those hard-to-reach places between braces. Plus, their on-demand pulse setting offers a precise, targeted clean with pressure and pulsation to help remove plaque and food particles from brackets and wires. It also provides gum stimulation and massage to improve gum health.
If you don’t take proper care of your teeth and gums while wearing braces, you run the risk of numerous problems. Your teeth may be perfectly aligned, but your gums could be red, puffy and bleed easily. You may even run the risk of gum disease. Not only that, spots can form that will detract from your beautiful smile. A water flosser is the perfect addition to your oral care routine to help your gum health and protect your investment.