So you floss your teeth? If not, you’re among roughly 70% of Americans who skip this important step in their oral hygiene routine. Though brushing twice per day for two minutes is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile, skipping the floss leaves behind 40% of the plaque on your teeth. This makes you way more likely to develop tooth decay, which can jeopardize your oral health and cause delays in treatments like Invisalign. If you need help properly flossing with Invisalign, read on for a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean between your teeth.
Step #1: Remove Your Aligners
This first step may be obvious, but there are some things you should do with your aligners before you move on to cleaning your teeth. Take this time to soak your aligners in either a solution made specifically for Invisalign or one made for dentures or retainers. This will help kill bacteria that have accumulated on them throughout the day. Make sure you rinse them off before reinserting them into your mouth to avoid introducing chemicals from the solution into your mouth.
Step #2: Brush Your Teeth
Make sure to remove your aligner trays any time you drink or eat anything other than water to avoid damaging or staining them. You should also brush after each meal to ensure that your teeth are clean before you put your Invisalign back on. If you skip this step, food can get caught behind your retainers, which will raise your chances of developing cavities.
Step #3: Rinse Your Mouth
Now that you’ve finished brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth out with water. This will help loosen up any leftover debris or food particles. Doing this will make flossing your teeth both easier and more effective.
Step #4: Floss Your Teeth
It’s finally time to floss! Remove an 18 cm long piece of dental floss from the container so that you have enough leftover to hold on to. Wrap the ends of the floss around your fingers. Leave a few inches of it to slide between your teeth. Take your time working your way towards your gum line. Glide the floss around your teeth in a “C” shape and use an up and down motion. Repeat these with every tooth until they have all be thoroughly cleaned
After you’ve completed these four steps, you can put your aligners back on and feel satisfied knowing you’re doing what it takes to keep your smile healthy. Between incorporating flossing into your nightly oral hygiene routine and committing to wearing your Invisalign for at least 20-22 hours per day, you’ll be sporting a healthier, more beautiful smile in no time!
About the Practice
NeoSmile Dental Care offers patients the best in dentistry. From cosmetic to preventive to restorative treatments, their wide range of services can help you care for your smile, regardless of its current state. If your smile isn’t something you’re proud of, they offer high-quality Invisalign aligner trays to fill in the gaps in your grin, correct alignment issues, and help you regain your confidence! Ready to schedule an appointment or have questions about Invisalign? If so, visit NeoSmile Dental Care’s website or call their office at (215) 643-5220 today.
