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Do you have a hard time flossing around your permanent retainer? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find it tricky to remove food particles and plaque around the appliance and also deeply clean the gums. Our orthodontist, Dr. John R. Schouten, is happy to give you the tips you need to properly clean around your retainer because it’s important to do so regularly.

First, find the loop-shaped tool our team gave you when you had braces. This is the flexible, thin tool that helped you thread the floss around your braces wires. If you don’t have this looped tool, feel free to ask us for one.

Then, thread the floss through the looped section of the threader. Next, thread the pointed end of the threader through the space between your teeth and under the wire. Be gentle. This might irritate the gums the first few times you do it. Then, grab one end of the floss. When you have it, pull the threader away from your mouth so it releases the floss. This should properly position the floss so you have one end outside your mouth and one end inside. Then, wrap the floss around your fingers and clean the space between the teeth and along the gumline as you normally would with your other teeth.

When you’re done, just pull one side of the floss until it comes out of the crevice. Use the floss threader again to reposition the floss between your next set of teeth.

Call Schouten Orthodontics at 801.491.9372 today if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about how to properly floss around a permanent retainer in Springville, Utah. Our orthodontic team will be thrilled to help you, and we look forward to giving you the answers you’re looking for!