Flossing: 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 that if you do not clean the surfaces between your teeth, you'll be missing out on cleaning 40% of your 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, making sure 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 and/or teflon dental flosses that slide between the teeth more easily.
  • 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.

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