Flossing and using dental floss to clean between teeth

Although the majority of people do not floss to clean between their teeth it is important to note if you do not clean the surfaces between you teeth you will be missing 40% of the teeth.

Use dental floss after brushing as part of the daily dental hygiene routine
Floss once a day to prevent gum disease as it aids in the removal of food particles and plaque at and below the gum line as well as between teeth, which cannot be reached by the toothbrush

Floss after each meal preferably, or at least once a day
For those who floss only once per day, it is best to floss teeth at night before going to bed
Floss as long as it takes to clean thoroughly and effectively
It is normal to experience some gum bleeding, which is a sign of improper oral care and the need for thorough brushing and flossing of teeth.

Flossing technique

Take about 45-50 cm of floss
Wind most of it around one of your middle finger and the remaining around the same finger of the opposite hand.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers ensuring to leave at least 3 cm of floss between your hands.
Now guide the dental floss to the space between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
On reaching the gum line, curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth, sliding it gently into the space between the gum and the tooth in the process
Holding the floss tightly against the tooth, gently rub the side of the tooth with up and down motions.
Repeat the procedure for the rest of your teeth including the back side of your last tooth.
Wash your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing your teeth, to rinse out the loosened debris
Report to your dentist if the dental floss gets stuck in a spot where it generally does not otherwise.

Types of dental floss

Waxed and Unwaxed dental floss
Thread/String and Tape dental floss
Flavored and Unflavored dental floss
Teflon dental floss

Choosing the dental floss and aids

Choose an unwaxed string dental floss
In case of smaller spaces between teeth, choose waxed or/and teflon made dental flosses that slide more easily between the teeth
Choose the floss that’s the easiest to use
Use a flossing aid if you have difficulty in flossing, such as

a dental floss holder – especially beneficial for those wearing orthodontic braces, and under bridges, implants and between connected crowns
flossing handle
an electric or pre-threaded flosser