How to Properly Floss

Flossing 101 🎬💎

Flossing is pertinent to your oral health. It removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush can't easily reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Of course, it isn’t enough to just simply floss! It’s important to know HOW to properly floss by using techniques that won’t damage your teeth and gums and will thoroughly remove plaque.

1️⃣ Break off ~18 inches of dental floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.
2️⃣ Next, hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
3️⃣ Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
4️⃣ When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum (one side of the papilla) and the tooth.
5️⃣ Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
6️⃣ Repeat the steps as you move from tooth to tooth. With each tooth, use a new, clean section of floss.

Voilà! You have properly flossed and now you’re on your way to better oral health. If you have any questions about flossing or find flossing difficult, speak with one of your dental professionals or contact our office directly and we would be happy to help.