Flossing Guide
What is the proper flossing technique?
- Extract approximately 18-inches of floss
- Wrap the floss around your fingers - most of it to one finger
- Start with the lower front teeth, then the upper front teeth,
and finally to all the other teeth. Don't forget to floss behind
your last molar.
- Work the floss gently between the teeth until it reaches the gum
line. Do not "snap" the floss in as this motion may harm your gums.
- Curve the floss around each tooth and slip it under the gum.
Slide the floss up and down. Do this for both sides of every tooth,
one side at a time.
- Adjust the floss so that a clean section of the floss is
introduced as you move from tooth to tooth.
Oral Care Tips
- Floss at least once a day. Flossing helps to prevent periodontal
(gum) disease by removing plaque. Proper flossing removes plaque
from between your teeth that brushing misses.
- Waxed, un-waxed, flavored, or plain floss all do the same thing
so use whichever type of floss you prefer
- Brush at least twice a day
- Visit your dentist regularly
© All Rights Reserved. Last Reviewed August 2005
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