How to Floss Teeth

If you’re here, you’re probably already flossing or at least thinking about flossing. That’s great! But, to get the most benefits from flossing, you need the right technique. 

Read the simple steps below to learn how to floss teeth as best you can!

1. Wash your hands.
2. Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers. 
3. Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving an inch or two. Keep the floss taut between your hands.
4. Then, glide the floss between your teeth. Move it up and down the gap in between your teeth, going all the way from the end of the teeth to underneath the gum line. 
5. After this, change the angle and glide the floss around your teeth in a c shape. Again, gently manoeuvre it from the end of your teeth all the way up to your gum line. 
6. Make sure you unroll the floss from your fingers to a clean section as you go.

Things to remember when flossing your teeth

Remember not to miss the back teeth. As you probably already know, your back teeth are the hardest to reach and clean. But, it’s very important you make the effort to reach back there and clean them with floss and your toothbrush every day. This can reduce your chances of tooth decay and gum disease.

Be gentle. Rigorously flossing your teeth could do more bad than good, especially when using an electric flosser. Make sure you are flossing using the correct technique. If you’re not sure what the correct technique is, consult your dentist. 

Benefits of flossing

Removes plaque/food particles you can’t reach with a toothbrush

Regular flossing helps remove build ups of food and plaque in and around your teeth that you may miss/not be able to remove with a toothbrush. 

Prevents tooth decay

Removing plaque and hard to reach food particles from around your teeth helps prevent tooth decay. 

Defends against gum disease

Regularly flossing around your gums helps remove food particles and plaque. This can prevent gum disease.

Prevents bad breath

When food gets stuck between your teeth and starts to decay, it releases foul smells. Flossing helps remove these food particles and prevents bad breath.

How often should I floss?

You should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and aim to floss at least once. 

It is generally recommended that you floss before brushing your teeth. When you floss, it will loosen and dislodge food particles. They will then brush away easier with your toothbrush.

Types of Floss

There are lots of different types of floss available. And, as long as you’re flossing every day.

Unwaxed floss

This type of floss is made out of thin nylon. It’s great for tight spaces if your teeth are close together, but it is prone to shredding and breaking, so be careful of this. 

Waxed floss

Waxed floss is also made from nylon, but it has a wax coating. It’s thicker, so it is harder to use in tight spots. But it’s less likely to break. 

Dental tape

Dental ta[e is broad and flat. Available waxed or unwaxed, dental tape is more suited to people with larger spaces between their teeth. 

Polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE)

Interestingly, this floss is made out of the same material as Gore-Tex fabric. It slides between teeth with ease and is less likely to shred than standard floss. 

Super flosses

Super flosses have stiffer sections on each end. They are made from yarn-type materials and are great for cleaning around braces and dental bridges. 

Dental floss picks

If you find regular flossing impractical or difficult to handle, dental floss picks could be a good option for you. They consist of a thin strip of floss suspended in a plastic frame with a handle. 

Electric flossers

Electric flossers vibrate and massage your gums whilst cleaning around them. This option makes flossing easier and is great for people with limited dexterity.  

Do you feel more confident in flossing now?

As you now know, flossing has numerous benefits for your health, which is why your dentist is adamant that you do it! Hopefully, you found this post useful. If you need a dentist appointment or want to talk to someone about the best flossing technique for you. Contact us today. We’re always happy to help you with your dental needs.