How to floss properly and why

Doing the floss has become very popular, the dance craze however, not actual teeth flossing.

Now more than ever it is critical to do everything we can to keep our oral health and overall health in tip top condition to enable us to improve immunity and keep healthy and well during this challenging time.

It’s a simple piece of string, that often gets forgotten as part of the daily oral healthcare routine, yet dental floss is a powerful tool that can help prevent cavities and give your overall health a big boost. By properly flossing on a regular basis, you and your smile can enjoy the long-term benefits for your teeth and gums.

Do I really need to floss?

Dental floss dislodges food particles trapped between the teeth and under the gums where toothbrushes can’t reach. Left unchecked, bacterial build-up can lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Flossing is therefore, just as important as brushing!

We recommend that all patients should floss at least once a day, but not everyone knows the right way to do it.

Use this step-by-step guide to find out how to properly floss your teeth:

Step 1: 

Break off about 50cm of 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.

Step 2:

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

Step 3:

Start sliding the floss between your teeth. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

Step 4:

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 and the tooth.

Step 5:

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. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

Some people like to start their flossing ritual from the upper teeth, working from one end to the other, before turning their attention to the lower level. Others prefer to do it the opposite way. Either way is effective, as long as you floss between all of your teeth every time.

Once you’re finished, throw the floss away. A used piece of floss won’t be as effective and could leave bacteria behind in your mouth. Remember to brush twice a day too!

Find out more about why oral health is important during COVID-19 and how to achieve it here

If you have any queries please discuss with your friendly and experienced team today! Contact us.

If you need dental help during Covid-19 please read our Emergency Dentist page