How To Properly Floss Your Teeth

Regular flossing is an effective way to remove dental plaque and other gunk trapped between your teeth. But the key is flossing correctly — and that’s a standard many people don’t meet.

“A lot of us have never really been shown how to properly floss,” says periodontist Sasha Ross, DMD, MS. “Just having your dentist or hygienist tell you to do it isn’t enough. You have to know how to do it.”

So, let’s learn.

How to floss properly

The fact you’re reading this article is a sign that you’re on the right path to building a healthy, good oral hygiene routine. After all, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 adults NEVER floss — so, you’re already ahead!

To keep your teeth in tip-top shape, Dr. Ross recommends flossing once a day at nighttime. Brushing your teeth twice a day ­(when you wake up and before you go to bed) should be part of your game plan, too.

As to whether you should floss before or after brushing … well, let’s just say the important thing is that you do both, says Dr. Ross. Order doesn’t make that much of a difference. (But truth be told, flossing first has been shown to have a few more health benefits.)

Step-by-step flossing instructions

Here are five steps to floss in a way that removes problematic bacteria, tartar and plaque that can build up between teeth and along your gumline.

1. Gear up. Section off a piece of dental floss about 18 inches (32 centimeters) long. Wrap one end around the middle finger on your left hand. Do the same with the other end on your right hand. Leave a few inches of floss in the middle to do the dirty work.
2. Assume the position. Pinch the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers to make it tauter and easier to maneuver in your mouth. Your thumbs and forefingers should be about an inch apart.
3. Find your target. Insert the floss between two teeth. Think about forming a C-shape with the floss, with a tooth in the center. “You want to sort of cup the floss around your tooth,” explains Dr. Ross.
4. Get to work. Gently rub the dental floss up and down the side of the tooth several times. Make sure to reach under the gum tissue to where you feel resistance. Glide the gloss on either side of the triangle of the gum tissue. Be gentle, though. Don’t jam or force the floss into your gums.
5. Repeat. Most adults have 32 teeth — and all of them need flossing on both sides. Work your way around your set of teeth to clean each incisor, canine, premolar and molar. (Remember to floss the back side of your back teeth, too!) Adjust your floss as you go to use a different and clean section on each tooth.

What to avoid when flossing

Gums can be sensitive, so — as mentioned — don’t be rough on them when you floss. It’s OK to guide the floss just below your gumline to remove food particles and bacteria but avoid digging in deep.

“Make sure you’re not traumatizing your gum tissue and pressing too hard or at the wrong angle,” instructs Dr. Ross.

Overaggressive flossing could lead to floss cuts. View it as a sign to be gentler.

As an FYI, too, bleeding gums also are somewhat common if you’ve been a little lax in your flossing routine. It’s often a sign of unhealthy gums and may indicate the early stages of gum disease. (It’s estimated that 42% of adults over age 30 have some form of gum disease.)

The good news? Regular flossing can turn things around quickly. “In most cases, if you stick with flossing and use the right technique, the bleeding will stop after a week or so,” she notes.

What kind of floss works best?

Studies show no difference in unwaxed or waxed floss. But Dr. Ross prefers the unwaxed version. “It seems to be a little bit more effective,” she says.

But if you have braces, waxed floss may be a better choice as it’s less likely to get stuck or torn. (And while flossing with braces may be difficult and take more time given the mouth hardware, it’s still necessary.)

Although there are other flossing tools, traditional string floss works best, emphasizes Dr. Ross. Plastic dental picks are OK in a pinch (like if you have something stuck between your teeth while out to eat), but regular flossing should be done the old-fashioned way.

The exception here is if you have hand dexterity issues. “If you have a condition that keeps you from being able to grip the floss, picks are a good alternative,” she adds.

Why flossing is important

Flossing promotes healthier teeth and gums by removing hard-to-reach bacteria around your teeth. Making it a daily habit can limit your risk of cavities, as well as gingivitis and other forms of gum disease.

“Flossing is incredibly important because studies have shown that brushing just doesn’t get to the area in between your teeth,” Dr. Ross states. “If you’re not getting the plaque there, it can lead to cavities or periodontal disease or both.”

But good oral health also is about more than supporting a nice smile. Problems with your teeth and gums can lead to health concerns such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Stroke
• Arthritis

So, flossing is worth the effort and a few minutes of your time each day.

To perfect your flossing form, talk to your dentist or hygienist. Ask questions the next time you’re at their office. (Getting professional teeth cleanings and examinations also should be part of your oral health plan.)

“Lean on your dentist, periodontist or hygienist for extra instruction if you need it,” recommends Dr. Ross. “Ask them to watch how you floss. They can show you what you need to do to be more effective at cleaning your teeth.”