Daily flossing is essential because you can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth or under your gum line with a toothbrush. It helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease and dental decay.
The following are a few flossing tips:
Use enough floss
Break off a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. Leave about 1 inch to floss your first tooth.
Focus on one tooth at a time
Hold floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers then insert it between teeth. Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of the tooth, scraping off plaque by gently pulling the floss from the gum line to the end of the tooth. Gently rub the floss against all sides of the tooth. Unwind to expose unused floss as you progress to the next tooth. Floss all your teeth and don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth.
Trouble getting floss through your teeth?
If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth, try the waxed variety. If it is difficult to manipulate the floss, talk with your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you.