What Is The Proper Way To Floss?

Suter Brook Dental Group

May 16, 2013

Do you floss? Although there is a misconception that flossing is similar to using a toothpick to remove the food residue stuck between teeth, flossing does far more than that — which is why dentists continue to recommend flossing as part of a healthy oral health care routine.

Your brush can only take care of about 65% of your teeth surfaces, leaving most of the food particles that are stuck in between your teeth in place. Plaque can start to form if this is the case and bacteria build-up can cause more harm to your dental health than you think. Sometimes, you are left with no other option but to get a tooth extracted or a root canal procedure, both procedures which can be avoided through a simple, two-minute oral health care routine every day!

Here are a few tips on the proper way to floss, and how you can get the most out of flossing your teeth the right way:

  • First, carefully choose the dental floss that you buy. It doesn’t have to be too expensive to be effective. Waxed and string floss might be the ideal type if the space between your teeth is small and a bit difficult to penetrate.
  • Second, take a small amount of floss, about 15 inches. Usually, this size is enough for regular flossing.
  • Third, wrap the floss around your dominant fingers. Usually it is the thumb for a firmer grip and another finger that you think is stronger than the rest.
  • Fourth, slowly insert the floss in between the teeth. The goal is to make sure all the food particles stuck between your teeth are removed. Make sure to gently floss in the space where your gum and tooth meet as well.

Repeat the process until you feel like you have taken any food particles out.

Flossing shouldn’t be hard or time-consuming, but a little bit of time and effort can really help you improve your oral health care and cut down on your chances of plaque and gum disease. Contact Suter Brook Dental Group if you have any questions about the right way to floss.