Steps on how to floss your teeth properly:
- Break off about 18 inches of floss.
- Wrap the floss around each middle finger, leaving about 6 inches of floss between your fingers.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using your thumbs.
- Gently move the floss up and down against each tooth surface, being careful not to snap the floss into your gums.
- Curve the floss into a C-shape against each tooth.
- Slide the floss up and down, scraping along the tooth surface and under the gum line.
- Repeat steps 4-6 for each tooth.
Use a new section of floss for each tooth. Spit out the floss, but don't rinse your mouth.
Brush your teeth as usual.
Remember these tips for flossing:
Use a soft, waxed floss.
Floss once a day, preferably at night before bed.
Be gentle when flossing, especially around the gum line.
Don't forget to floss behind your back teeth.
If you have braces, talk to your dentist about how to floss properly.
Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene. It helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. This can help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.