Flossing

FLOSSING TIPS

Flossing helps to remove plaque from in between your teeth, in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. It is not the space between the teeth you are flossing, but the tooth surface. HOW TO FLOSS

• Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of your hands.

• Holding the floss tightly (use your thumbs and forefingers) gently guide the floss between your teeth. Never "snap" the floss as this can cut the gums.

• When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth.

• Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss.
• Repeat this method on all your teeth.
• Move to a clean area of floss after one or two teeth.

Don’t be discouraged with your first attempt. Flossing is a skill that is learned and after a while, it will take only a few minutes of your time.

If you do not have good finger dexterity, you may find it helpful to use a commercial floss holder.

Children may find it easier to use a loop of floss. Take a piece of floss about 10 inches long and tie the ends together, into a circle. Then hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers to floss. Most children cannot floss their own teeth properly until about the age of 10.

Establish a regular pattern and time for flossing, so that you don’t miss any of your teeth.

Remember to be gentle when inserting floss between your teeth and under the gumline. Flossing can injure your gums if done improperly.

Your gums may bleed and be sore for the first few days that you floss. Your gums should heal and the bleeding should stop once all the bacteria are removed.

See your dental hygienist for a demonstration. It takes practice.

Special Brushing and Flossing Aids

Illustrations courtesy of Oral-B laboratories ©1997