Fio dental gum orthodontic
Floss around orthodontic appliances only when it passes beneath the wire without snapping against the gums.
Can floss pass safely beneath an orthodontic wire?
Floss around orthodontic appliances only when it passes beneath the wire without snapping against the gums.
Why do brackets and wires make plaque easier to retain?
Brackets and wires create plaque-retaining ledges. A threader, orthodontic floss, interdental brush, or oral irrigator may help depending on the spaces.
How can you floss gently around orthodontic appliances?
Guide floss under the wire, curve it around each tooth, and clean below the gumline gently. Brush afterward with fluoride toothpaste.
Which orthodontic symptoms need prompt dental attention?
Seek care for pus, severe pain, a cut that persists, a loose bracket, or a wire that cannot be covered comfortably.
What should you ask about floss and interdental brush fit?
Ask which floss or interdental brush size fits each space and whether plaque retention requires an orthodontic adjustment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the next step?
Guide floss under the wire, curve it around each tooth, and clean below the gumline gently. Brush afterward with fluoride toothpaste.
When should this be checked?
Seek care for pus, severe pain, a cut that persists, a loose bracket, or a wire that cannot be covered comfortably.
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.