Flossing with Traditional Braces

Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental recently gave patients a lesson on how to brush with traditional braces, so naturally, we can’t forget about flossing. Flossing may seem difficult at first, but don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. Flossing will remove food particles that get stuck in between and cause bad breath. Next time you step in front of the sink to brush, utilize these tips.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Brushing with Brackets and Wires

If you’ve recently had traditional braces applied to your teeth, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental are here to help you keep them clean. Brackets and wires make brushing and flossing more difficult, but when there is a will, there is a way, and we are here to teach you the proper way to brush your teeth with braces.  

• Prepare to brush – take off elastics (rubber bands) and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.


• Clean your braces – Use your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom.


• Brush your teeth – Clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Do this for about 10 seconds. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.


• Floss once a day – Carefully thread the floss under or over the main wire of your braces, taking care not to get it stuck. Then thread the floss through the wire to reach in between the spaces of your teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.