Orthodontic flossing technique and hygiene
With braces, clean under the archwire and between teeth using a floss threader, orthodontic flosser, or interdental brush.
The short answer
Brackets and the archwire create ledges where plaque collects near the gumline. A threader guides floss beneath the wire, while an interdental brush cleans around brackets.
How should you guide floss beneath an orthodontic wire?
Guide floss beneath the wire, curve it around each tooth, and clean gently below the contact. Use an interdental brush around brackets and fluoride toothpaste.
What can you do to keep around braces clean?
Seek care for persistent bleeding, swollen gums, a loose bracket, a poking wire, or a sore that does not settle.
When should bleeding or a loose bracket be checked?
Ask which cleaning aid fits your appliance and whether plaque is collecting around brackets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first useful step?
Seek care for persistent bleeding, swollen gums, a loose bracket, a poking wire, or a sore that does not settle.
When should this be checked?
Ask which cleaning aid fits your appliance and whether plaque is collecting around brackets.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.