Is it really important to floss with braces on?
I just got braces at the bottom of my teeth yesterday. I also have 8 spacers in my mouth too.
Yesterday, the pain was so unbearable I thought I might pass out.
I haven't been flossing. Yesterday night I tried to floss but my mouth hurt so much, I didn't even try.
How important is it to floss with braces? I don't think i can do it..it hurts too much.
Answer
It is really important! I didn't think it was when I had braces, but then when I got them off I noticed there was clear goo in my gums (I started flossing after I got them off) that would have been really bad if I hadn't flossed for much longer.
The reason it hurts is because you haven't been flossing so your gums aren't used to the way it feels. But it is really important that you floss, or you could end up with gingivitis or some other gum disease. If you just floss gently and work up to a normal clean, it won't hurt so much.
You should floss every day. If you do, then it will stop hurting.
Hope that helps!
Related Answer
Consider Thieves Mouthwash...
http://www.secretofthieves.com/thieves-mouthwash.cfm
That page includes links to some studies that seem to indicate that an essential oil based mouthwash can be as effective as flossing.
Also, the mouthwash contains clove essential oil which used to be used by dentists to numb the gums...so it might lighten the ache caused by the braces. (source: Yahoo! Answers)
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