How to Floss Teeth Effectively

Proper flossing is important to the health of your gums and teeth. By flossing correctly you are removing food particles that a toothbrush leaves behind along with plaque. Flossing can get under the gum line and in-between teeth, which are the common places a toothbrush can’t go. Flossing gets the plaque out of the way reducing your chance of tooth decay and gum disease. 

To get the most benefit from your daily flossing routine, follow these techniques:

1. Wrap a piece of dental floss around your finger. 16 to 18 inches gives you an inch or two to work with per section and allows you to get a good grip. 9 inches should be sufficient for a child.


2. Hold the floss tight between your thumb and index finger. If it helps you to get a better grip, wrap the floss 2 to 3 times around your index finger.


3. Start at the bottom back teeth and work your way forward. Slide up and down between teeth. Work your way around to the other side and then start the top row of teeth. Move the dental floss by sliding up and down as you pull back and forth with your thumb and index finger.


4. Curve the dental floss around the bottom of each tooth, getting under the gum line. Be sure to get behind the last molars as this area tends to be forgotten. Plaque builds up there, too.


5. Try not to snap or force the floss as this could cause bruising of the gum tissue.


6. Use a clean section of dental floss as you go from tooth to tooth.


7. Rinse with mouthwash to wash out any plague and debris.