How unhealthy is not flossing with braces?

Not flossing?: One cannot put a number on these types of issues. The cleaner you keep your teeth and the healthier the foods, the less chance of cavities and gums problems. The reverse is also true. With all the time and money invested in having orthodontic treatment, why take the chance of ruining healthy teeth and having gum problems? That doesn't make sense to me. Take responsibility for your own health.

Very!: Brushing is very important when you go through treatment. But brushing only covers 60 percent of tooth surface. The contact points of the teeth are the other 40 percent. If you don't clean it, you will get cavities on them. A substitute for flossing is devices such as Waterpik or AirFloss (look them up online). They can help tons specially with braces.

Very: You can only reach about 70% of your tooth enamel with a toothbrush. That means you're pretty much failing at oral hygiene if you only brush. If you do not floss, or use a WaterPik, daily, you dramatically risk increasing incidence of between-the-teeth decay and increase the risk of swollen infected gums. Talk to your treating Dentist or specialist Orthodontist about proper self-care.