Category: Dental Hygiene Instrumentation

Want to know if you should floss or brush first? This question has been around for ages. I have scoured the internet searching for hours. The debates are endless, and I’m really not sure who is giving their opinions.

I decided to check out a couple of different articles, and show you what I have found. If you have been debating your Dentist for years or your family, let them check out the research articles below.

WHAT THE PROS SAY ABOUT BRUSHING OR FLOSSING FIRST: brush or floss first

Under the FAQ section, the ADA says flossing or brushing first are both “ok” as long as you’re doing a thorough job of each.

RESEARCH on brushing or floss first

In this article done by the Journal of Periodontology published in 2018, they led a study on the subject of testing subjects on flossing before brushing vs brushing before flossing. They tested the amount of fluoride on their teeth along with plaque levels on 25 dental students.

The results of the study show that flossing before brushing led to plaque levels lower in those that floss before brushing. Not only this, but there was a greater amount of fluoride in the plaque of the group that flossed before brushing.

Even though this was a small sample study, it brings a whole new level of information into the “brushing or flossing first” debate.

Related: Best Dental GADGETS OF 2021

“FLOSS BEFORE YOU BRUSH” ARGUMENT

There are arguments among many about why you should floss first. Let us know where you stand on the debate in the comments below, or you can let us know in the Dental Products Guy forum section.

The biggest and most important argument is that you should floss first because you might be “too lazy to floss after you brush”, and never get to it. If you make it a priority to floss first, then you’re still stuck with that odor in your mouth, which brushing helps to eliminate.

One reason you might want to floss first is that you will remove the plaque between the teeth first. Then, when you brush after flossing, the fluoride from the toothpaste will be more likely to get between the teeth.

Some people also argue that brushing after flossing will help clean away the plaque and food that flossing dislodges creating a cleaner mouth.

The toothpaste used after flossing also helps to remove the bad taste in your mouth.

Related: Complete Guide to Finding Your Best Toothbrush [10 Best Electric Toothbrushes on the Market today]

“BRUSH BEFORE YOU FLOSS” ARGUMENT

The benefits of brushing before you floss are that you get to remove all the plaque on the teeth, and then the floss will come in to clean between the teeth.

If you have fluoride on your floss, then that fluoride will be able to get onto the teeth.

Related: 7 Floss Picks That Are Amazing & ADA Approved 2020

Flossing braces properly is an incredibly time-consuming activity that causes frustration and fear among kids and their parents.

Flossing is important way kids or teens keep their teeth healthy in the long run, but the food they consume while wearing braces is important as well.

Avoid Foods that Can Harm Your Braces – How to Make Flossing Braces Easier 

Some foods are tougher to clean or are hard enough to break braces. For example, biting into an apple or hard toast could potentially cause a braces bracket to pop off. It’s best to try to avoid any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.

Foods that would make flossing braces more difficult are sticky foods such as caramel or bagels or gum. Having lots of acidic foods and soft drinks can cause discoloration of teeth as well as cavities, so these items should be rarely consumed with braces.

Why is Flossing Braces important?

According to AAO, not brushing and flossing regularly can cause “….  cavities, swollen gums, bad breath and permanent white marks on the teeth“.

Paying 2,000 – $7,000 for braces is expensive.  Neglecting your brushing and flossing can cause white marks called decalcification, which is the beginning stages of a cavity.

Some people have to live with these white marks for the rest of their lives and can become very self-conscious about them.

How To Get Rid Of White Spots on teeth From Braces?

The best way to avoid developing these white spots on your teeth is to keep your teeth clean and start your braces journey with great home care.

This includes visiting your Dental Hygienist/Dentist as needed regularly for cleanings,  using a powered toothbrush after every meal, and having a flossing routine that is consistent.

If you do end up with the white spots on your teeth, you will notice a big white hollow square-like appearance on the front surfaces of your teeth. White Spots can also develop between your teeth, so it’s extra important to keep your teeth clean.

Your Dentist will want to know the extent of the damage, and if severe, veneers may be needed down the road.

Most of the time, fluoride varnish or Calcium phosphate will be given to the patient for mild cases of discoloration.  It’s important to ask your Dental provider if a prescription fluoride treatment could be beneficial before, during, and after treatment to help prevent caries.

Avoid using whitening products while wearing braces because whitening agents usually remove minerals from teeth, and this can cause white spots.

Flossing Braces With Floss Threaders

Floss threaders are the ideal choice for flossing with braces because of the amount of plaque that can be removed between your teeth.

With floss threaders, you can thoroughly do the recommended C-shape flossing technique as demonstrated with the video below.

What is a Floss Threader?

A Floss threader is similar to a needle and thread where the thread is the floss and the needle is the blue floss threader.

Floss threaders can be used with braces, implants, and Lingual bars after braces.

How to Floss with Braces with Floss Threaders

Thread an 18-24 inch piece of Dental floss into the eye hole of the floss threader.

Point the pointy end of the floss threader under the braces wire and grab the floss threader with the opposite hand.

Then remove the floss threader.

After this, you want to wrap the floss around your first fingers of each hand.

Then attempt to floss using the floss with the C-shape flossing method.

How to use Floss Threaders with Braces

If you have a permanent retainer, visit this related article on how to use floss threaders with permanent Lingual bar retainer.

Pros of Flossing Braces With Floss Threaders

• Achieves the C-shape flossing technique. It’s wonderful that you are able to really achieve the C-shape that is required to clean the plaque and bacteria between the teeth
• Ability to floss under the gums to remove plaque
• You can use any type of floss that you like. Whether you prefer woven floss, waxed floss, taped floss, Listerine floss, you can use any type of floss with the threader. I would recommend you to use waxed floss because it’s the easiest to glide through the teeth smoothly and remove plaque as well.

Cons of Flossing Braces With Floss Threaders

• Should not be re-used because the plastic material can carry bacteria. IF you reuse the floss threaders over a period of time, you may create a super bacteria which can cause cavities.
• Very time-consuming. This type of Flossing technique can cause a lot of time and frustration. Most kids or parents don’t have time to spend pushing these floss threaders between their brackets
• Requires hand dexterity that kids may not have developed

Flossing Braces  with Harp Flosser

The Harp Orthodontic Reusable Flosser 4 pack Multipack

The Harp Flosser claims that it not actual Dental floss. It is actually braided nylon material which does not stretch much, so it’s great to resist stretching and breaking.

Pros of Flossing Braces With Harp Floss

• No floss threading needed
• The speed of flossing your teeth increases tremendously
• Either end of the harp Flosser can be used to floss between the brackets and under the braces wire
• Cuts flossing time in Half – Because there is no threading involved, you can floss thru all your teeth in less time compared to the floss threader
• BPA Free, so this floss is environmentally friendly.
• Uses Braided Nylon Dental Floss, which is shred resistant and great for removing plaque
• Can be bent so it’s easier to reach back teeth which makes kids with braces lives much easier.
• This product is a great value for the price, and there are over 600 positive reviews on Amazon for the Harp Flosser.
• Great time saver and money saver in the long run.
• Comes with floss attached, so you can’t choose the type of floss that you use with the Harp Flosser. If you don’t like braided floss, then you’re out of luck if you prefer waxed floss.
• Seems like a reputable company with many positive reviews.

Cons of Flossing Braces With Harp Floss 

• Threaders should not be reused for more than 1 week.
• You may be unable to get the full C-shape flossing technique compared to the floss threaders.
• If the space between the wire and tooth is very small, the Harp flosser May not fit under the braces wire.
• Some people may get confused about how to use the Harp Floss properly due to dexterity issues.
• May be confusing to use if you don’t have a mirror present. It isn’t the best choice for traveling unless you are bringing a pocket mirror.
• More expensive than floss threaders, and does not carry the ADA seal yet.

Harp Floss – How to Floss With Braces

Flossing Braces with Waterpik Water Flosser

Currently, Waterpik has 4 Waterpik water flossers that have the ADA seal of approval for providing scientific data, clinical studies that show that their waterpiks safely and effectively removes plaque and bacteria.

Waterpiks are safe and effective as an alternative for flossing braces if waterpiks are used properly.

Special Precautions For Waterpik (Flossing with Braces)

Because of the intense amount of pressure that these devices use, it can be dangerous if used improperly.

According to the Ada website, damage can result if used with oral jewelry(tongue piercings), open wounds in the mouth, under the tongue, use with iodine or bleach.

Flossing braces without floss threaders really does make life easier for everyone. It makes life easier for mom’s as well as their kids. If these water flossers only had a way of tracking your teens usage of the waterpik, then you could be certain about how much your teen has been cleaning between their teeth.

Waterpik WP-667 Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional

Pros of Waterpik WP-667 Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional

• This waterpik has the ADA seal of Approval which means it is safe and effective for remove plaque and bacteria from the gum line as well as hard-to-reach areas.
• Waterpik is the only water flosser brand to have the ADA seal of approval
• Waterpiks are the fastest way to effectively clean your teeth when compared to Platypus floss, Floss threaders, and the harp floss.
• You don’t have to deal with string floss or any type of Dental String.
• You don’t have to worry about getting saliva on your fingers using the Waterpik while flossing braces.
• Great for reaching hard to reach areas.
• You don’t need a lot of manual dexterity to maneuver the Waterpik while trying to clean your braces.
• There is a Waterpik floss head that is ideal for removing plaque and bacteria while wearing braces.
• Easy to find replacement heads for the Waterpik unit.
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
• The reservoir is huge. It has a 22-ounce capacity so you don’t have to refill the unit as often as the shower Waterpik or the travel Waterpik
• Compatible with 120VAC/60Hz outlets, so it’s great for the USA.
• The Waterpik head can rotate 360 degrees to accommodate hard to reach areas
• Comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty which is great because most braces span about 3 -4 years.
• Comes in multiple attractive colors, so it’s great for boys or girls.
• Includes 1-minute timer, so you know how long you are using the unit.

Cons of Waterpik WP-667 Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional

• You must have a large countertop to place the Waterpik.
• If you have a tiny sink area with no place for storage or to lay this unit, the portable water pik might be your best option.
• Only works in the USA, the product is not compatible with other country’s outlets at the moment.
• The price of one of these units is much more expensive compared to the floss threaders as well as the Harp Flosser.
• The flosser head attaches to the Waterpik reservoir, so you have to be close to the unit while you’re using it.
• Some people report this Waterpik being noisy. Other people have no complaints regarding the sound.
  

Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser Designer Series, White, WP-670

Pros of Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser Designer Series, White, WP-670

• With 1400 pulses per minute of Water, the plaque is sure to come off your teeth with the Waterpik 670.
• This water Flosser contains the ADA seal of Approval.
• 90 seconds of water capacity, so you don’t have to mess around refilling the unit every 15-20 seconds like the shower Waterpik.
• 10 different water pressure settings ranging from 10-100 psi.
• 7 different water flossing tips that come with the Waterpik water flosser.
• This unit has 1 Specialized “floss mode” which helps remove plaque and bacteria, and there is also a “massage mode” which can help stimulate the gums. This one is great for someone with braces.
• 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
• Works well with implants as well as lingual retainers after braces as well.

Cons of Waterpik Aquarius Professional Water Flosser Designer Series, White, WP-670

• Priced much higher than Floss threaders, so usually over 90$.
• It can get messy if you lose control of the handle.
• It can be dangerous if you accidentally spray yourself in the nose, eye, ear, etc.
• 3-year warranty from the manufacturer, but there are some Amazon comments saying they have had some trouble with the manufacturer. Some customers on Amazon recommend letting Amazon know if you have any issues with your product before the warranty runs out instead of the manufacturer. Let us know in the comments below.
• Can be messy/dangerous and ineffective for removing plaque if used improperly.
• Some people say that this Waterpik is noisy, and should be placed on a silicone mat to lessen the noise produced.
• Can not be used in the shower because it plugs into the wall.
• Too bulky for travel or a suitcase

Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser Rechargeable Portable Oral irrigator for Travel & Home – Cordless Advanced, Wp-560 White

Pros of Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser

• ADA approved, Safe, and effective for people with braces.
• Great for use in the shower
• You don’t have to deal with any cords.
• Great for travel. It’s small enough to fit into a suitcase, but it’s not so small that you have to fill the water reservoir too often.
• This Waterpik offers 3 pressure settings ranging from 45-75 PSI.
• This unit includes its own travel bag and 4 different heads
• Comes with a 2-year warranty.
• Waterpik gets charged with a magnetic charger which makes it really easy to charge in only 4 hours.
• Has a LED display which indicates when you should charge the Waterpik cordless flosser.
• 360-degree head tip rotation available which makes cleaning both sides of your teeth convenient.
• Removes up to 99% of plaque and bacteria.
• The water reservoir offers about 30-45 seconds of cleaning per fill up.
• The lightweight and large handle which works great for people with manual dexterity issues.
• Great for smaller bathrooms with little sink space.
• No cords to worry about like the models above.

Cons of Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser

• Only comes with a 2-year warranty instead of a 3-year warranty like the water flosser picks above
• Water Resevoir is not as large, so you have to refill it much more often compared to the larger Waterpik units.

How To Floss with Braces with Waterpik Water Flosser

1. Fill your Waterpik Reservoir with lukewarm to warm water. If you don’t have any sensitivity, you can use cold water.
2. Select a tip and place it in the water flosser unit until you hear a click.
3. Your mouth should be partially closed and you should be in front of a mirror and over a sink.
4. Start with the lowest setting by aiming the tip 90 degrees just above the gumline of the cheek side of your back tooth.
5. Following the gumline, you want to let the water eject onto the tooth surface.
6. Try not to aim the water pressure under your gums. Plaque bacteria is located on the tooth so you should only be aiming at a 90-degree angle at the tooth following the gumline. You should not hit the gums with the pressurized water.

Conclusion

There are many choices when it comes down to keeping your teen Flossing Braces regularly, and it is also very frustrating. The Waterpik is my favorite choice because you only need to refill them with water, and they can sit on your counter or in a cupboard. The harp flosser is also a good choice, but I will always prefer the item with the ADA seal the most because there have been clinical trials and tests for safety and efficacy.

When you’re on the go or traveling, I would definitely choose the harp flosser.

After the braces come off, the Orthodontist will offer you the choice to get a lingual bar retainer or a clear plastic aligner. For any choice you decide on, these devices will also be helpful after braces.

The Waterpik does not have to be limited to an Ortho patient or a teen with braces. they are great for adults too!

The truth is that there are more devices to use for braces, and you can get a breakdown of them in this article which compares which floss is the best for braces updated in 2020.