How to Properly Floss Your Teeth
Proper flossing is the best and easiest way to remove unwanted plaque and food particles in places where your toothbrush simply can’t reach. Plaque can accumulate between your teeth and under your gumline where brushing simply won’t do you any good. It can only be removed by flossing.
If you’re not sure how to floss properly, follow these techniques to get the maximum benefits from flossing:
- Begin with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap it around your index or middle fingers until you have about an inch or 2 inches of dental floss left between your fingers.
- Hold the floss tight and slide it up and down between your teeth. The floss should gently curve under the gumline of each tooth.
- Try and use clean floss after you clean each tooth.
- Remove the floss by using a back-and-forth motion to slide it out between the teeth.
Types of Dental Floss
Dental floss comes in two types, Nylon (multifilament) floss and PTFE (monofilament) floss. Nylon floss comes in a variety of flavors and can be waxed or unwaxed. It tends to shred apart into smaller fibers when it gets cut between teeth. A more expensive option is PTFE floss, this single filament floss slides easily between teeth and is shred-resistant. Whatever your preference, both types of floss excel at removing plaque ,which if not removed can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Cut an 18 inch length of floss and leave between one to two inches of floss between your fingers.
Slide the floss up and down each tooth while following its curve.
Remember to gently clean under the gumline.
Source and artwork from Colgate.com
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