Step by Step to show proper flossing techniques:

·      Break off about 18 inches of floss, and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.

·      Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the other hand. 

·      Hold the floss tightly between your two hands, with about an inch of floss between them.  Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion.

·      When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against the tooth.  Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance.

·      Hold the floss against the tooth.  Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum.

Repeat this technique on all of your teeth, including the teeth in back.

The Importance Of Floss

Flossing between teeth removes food trapped between teeth and removes interproximal plaque. Flossing is important because it cleans the hard-to-reach tooth surfaces and prevents gum disease and tooth decay.  

Dental floss is made from nylon filaments or plastic monofilaments. They can be waxed or unwaxed and they are equally effective.  The ADA recommends brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. They also recommend using the dental floss brands that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

A popular question: Should I brush or floss first?

"Either way is acceptable," states Dr. Anna Lee.

Dentists recommend that patients floss first then brush, because the fluoride from the toothpaste has a better chance of reaching between teeth.