Taking proper care of your teeth might not be the most fun part of your day, but it is highly important for your overall health. If you have permanent retainers, you must be much more diligent with your oral hygiene routine, so you don't have to sacrifice the quality of your million-dollar smile.One way to ensure proper oral hygiene is to floss, but flossing can be difficult with a retainer in place. Dr. Richard Baldwin at Ranches Family Dental suggests that you follow the steps given below if you have permanent retainers:
Step # 1: Use a Floss Threader
To floss with a retainer, you must get a floss threader. A floss threader is like a tiny sewing needle that you can thread your floss rope through. Form a loop with your floss at about five inches from the end using the threader. Then place the loop above your retainer. Pull down until you feel that the floss has snapped under the retainer fixed behind your teeth.
Step # 2
Release the short end of the floss and pull the long end till it is out of the space between your teeth. Then grab the slack short end of the floss and pull it towards the back of your mouth. Wrap it around your fingers like you usually do while flossing. The floss rope should be situated under your retainer and around your fingers, so it is easy for you to floss up and down against the sides of your teeth.
Step # 3
After completing step 2, move onto the next two teeth. Lift the front half part of the floss up and out of the area you just flossed. Next, slide it over to the space between your adjacent two teeth. Repeat for all your teeth until none are left!
Your new flossing routine may seem like a lot of work, but you will soon get the hang of it. Do not skip flossing if you have difficulty in the beginning since it is essential to prevent tooth decay. If you experience any pain while flossing with a permanent retainer, contact Ranches Family Dental at (385) 374-0500 right away.
Dentist Eagle Mountain UT | Contact Ranches Family Dental The dental office of Dr. Richard Baldwin in Eagle Mountain consists of a team of professionals dedicated to providing you with the dentistry care you deserve. Ranches Family Dental, 3435 E. Pony Express Parkway Suite 110 Eagle Mountain, UT 84005 | (385) 374-0500 | ranchesfamilydental.com | 1/14/2025 | Related Terms: dentist Eagle Mountain UT |