Buzz
Using dental floss daily can help remove food particles, plaque, and debris that your toothbrush cannot reach. This practice promotes optimal dental and gum health. Additionally, flossing can prevent bad breath. Initially, flossing might seem challenging, but it becomes easier with practice. Start by learning how to hold the floss, then clean your teeth, and finally, make flossing a habit to maintain oral health.
Steps
Hold the dental floss
Take a piece of floss about 45-60 cm long. A longer piece makes it easier to handle. Additionally, you’ll need a clean section of floss for each tooth, so a longer piece is more practical.
- If you accidentally take too short a piece, it’s fine. You can always get a new piece when needed.
Wrap both ends of the dental floss around the middle fingers of each hand. Start by wrapping the middle finger of one hand, then the other. Loosely wind the floss a few times around each finger until the thread is taut. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as it can cut off blood circulation. Ensure the floss feels loose and comfortable.
- If the loops feel too tight, unwind and rewrap them.
Hold a section of floss about 2.5 cm to 8 cm between your thumbs and index fingers. Use your thumbs and index fingers to hold the floss, leaving a 2.5–8 cm section in the middle. This is the part you’ll use to clean your teeth. As you move the floss between your teeth, shift your fingers along the floss to use a fresh section.
- Use a length of floss that feels comfortable. If a longer section works better for you, go ahead and use it.
Clean your teeth
Start in the middle of the upper jaw, then move to the sides. Make it a habit to always begin with the front two teeth, then work your way to each side to complete the upper jaw. Always start with the same side to build consistency.
- Follow the same routine every time to ensure no teeth are missed.
Tip: For example, you can start between the front two teeth, then move to the right side, return to the front, and clean the left side.
Slide the floss between your teeth, getting as close to the gumline as possible. Be gentle when inserting the floss into the gaps. Gently wiggle the floss as you slide it down between the teeth, then slowly move it beneath the gumline.
- Remember to slide the floss close to the gumline when cleaning. Simply pulling the floss near the gums isn’t enough. You need to gently rub the floss along the gumline around each tooth.
Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth. This technique ensures maximum cleaning along the sides of the teeth. Move the floss up and down the tooth, reaching below the gumline to the base of the tooth. Go slowly and comfortably.
- Cleaning below the gumline is crucial for protecting your teeth and gums. However, avoid pushing too hard to prevent gum irritation.
Move the floss up and down 8-10 times between each tooth. Slide the floss repeatedly and press it against the sides of each tooth to clean thoroughly. This action removes any trapped food particles or plaque.
- If you still feel debris between your teeth, switch to a fresh section of floss and clean again.
- Gently massage the gums by moving the floss downward, starting from the right side and then moving to the left. Repeat this for each contact point.
Switch to a clean section of floss after cleaning each tooth. Shift your fingers along the floss so a fresh section is between them. Once you’ve used the entire taut section, unwind a clean portion from around your middle fingers. This ensures you’re always using a new section of floss for effective cleaning.
- If you run out of clean floss, you can get a new piece, though it’s usually unnecessary.
Tip: You might experience slight bleeding in your gums. This is completely normal when you first start flossing, and it should stop after a few days. If bleeding persists after 3-5 days of consistent flossing, it’s best to visit a dentist to ensure your gums are healthy. It might not be a serious issue, but it’s always better to be cautious.
Don’t forget the back of your molars. Reach deep into your mouth to wrap the floss around your back teeth. Slide the floss against the back surface of each tooth to clean thoroughly. Ensure you clean the back of the very last tooth, both on the top and bottom.
- Gum disease and cavities often occur in the inner teeth because they are harder to reach. Make an effort to keep these teeth clean.
Clean the lower jaw after finishing the upper jaw. Follow the same process as with the upper teeth, starting in the middle and then moving to each side. Stick to the same order when transitioning to the teeth on either side. This consistency will help you build a routine.
- Try to clean your teeth the same way every time.
Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water after flossing. After using floss, rinse to remove any remaining debris. This step also leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
- Chlorhexidine mouthwash can kill most bacteria and create a protective barrier around your gums and teeth.
- Fluoride mouthwash also helps prevent cavities.
Maintain oral health
Floss once daily before bedtime. You only need to floss once a day to avoid damaging your gums. It’s best to floss at night before brushing your teeth to ensure food particles and plaque don’t stay in your mouth overnight.
- If food gets stuck between your teeth, you can use floss to remove it.
Floss before brushing to achieve a deeper clean. Flossing dislodges food particles and plaque, so brushing afterward helps remove the debris that has been loosened. You’ll notice this method leaves your teeth feeling cleaner.
- Dentists may have different recommendations on when to floss, so consult your dentist for personalized advice. Depending on your needs, they might suggest flossing after brushing.
Alternative: You can floss after brushing to remove any remaining debris and plaque. If you prefer brushing first, that’s fine too. You’ll still reap the benefits of flossing.
Try alternative products if traditional flossing is challenging. Flossing is crucial for oral health, so it’s important to do it daily. However, if you find it difficult, there are convenient alternatives to consider:
- Floss holders are small Y-shaped tools that hold the floss for you, making it easier to use.
- "Superfloss," a type of floss that expands and contracts, is ideal for cleaning larger gaps between teeth.
- Floss threaders can make flossing easier, especially for tight spaces.
- Water flossers use a stream of water to remove debris, but they don’t replace traditional flossing.
Tips
- Always brush and floss before bed to maintain oral health.
- Consider flavored floss, like mint or gum, if you dislike regular floss.
- Bleeding gums are normal when you first start flossing but should stop after a few days. Consult your dentist if bleeding persists.
- If you have braces, bridges, or other dental appliances, ask your dentist or orthodontist for proper flossing techniques.
- Dentists can usually tell if you floss regularly, as food particles and plaque trapped between teeth can lead to dental issues.
- Wash your hands before and after flossing.
- Use waxed floss if you have trouble sliding floss between tight teeth.
Warnings
- If your gums feel sore after flossing, gently massage both sides of the affected tooth with your finger.
- Use a fresh section of floss each time. Reusing floss can cause it to fray, accumulate bacteria, and lose effectiveness.
- Bleeding during flossing is normal. However, if bleeding is excessive or persists after the first week, contact your dentist. Gum bleeding could indicate an underlying issue.
