Gum orthodontic hilo dental
With braces, use orthodontic floss, a floss threader, or an interdental brush to clean under the wire and around each bracket without cutting the gums.
The short answer
Orthodontic floss is designed to pass beneath an archwire and between teeth, while an interdental brush cleans around brackets and the gum margin. Plaque left in these areas can inflame gums and contribute to enamel decalcification, so the method must reach surfaces a normal toothbrushing stroke misses.
How can you guide floss safely beneath an archwire?
Thread floss under the wire or use a floss designed for braces, then curve it around each tooth and move it below the gum edge without snapping. Add an interdental brush around brackets, brush with fluoride toothpaste, and replace a brush when its wire bends or frays.
What should you do when braces make cleaning difficult?
Seek care for gums that stay swollen or bleed, persistent bad breath, white marks, loose brackets, or a wire that injures the cheek or gum. An orthodontic team can show a safer technique and repair an appliance that blocks cleaning.
When do gum or appliance problems need dental care?
Ask which floss, threader, or interdental brush fits your appliance and contacts. Ask how to clean around attachments, retainers, implants, or crowded teeth without damaging the gum.
Which cleaning aid should you ask your dentist about?
Under the wire
Frequently asked questions
What practical care should you start with for this problem?
Use the page-specific care measure and arrange an examination if the symptom persists or worsens.
Can home care replace an examination?
No. Home care may reduce irritation, but it cannot diagnose or repair decay, cracks, infection, or gum disease.
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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.