Knowing how to floss properly is essential for keeping good oral hygiene. Flossing removes plaque that can develop between teeth and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease by cleaning the tight spaces in between teeth that your toothbrush can't reach. Take the time to learn how to floss properly to ensure that your teeth are healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Floss Once a Day
The National Health Portal of India considers flossing an important component of any oral health care routine, and recommends flossing at least once a day to achieve optimal oral health. If you get into the habit of flossing before you go to bed at night, you won't need to worry about flossing more than that. Excessive flossing is ineffective and can actually cause damage and irritation to sensitive gum tissue.
Use a Gentle Touch
It's important to be gentle when flossing. Many people apply a lot of pressure or use a vigorous sawing motion, thinking this will get their teeth clean. But this kind of forceful flossing can lead to bleeding gums. Instead, floss lightly. Do not force or snap the floss against the gums. Try to use the side of the tooth to slide the floss gently into place.
Know the Proper Technique
Instead of using too much force or flossing excessively, flossing according to the proper method will leave your teeth sparkling clean pain-free.
- Dispense about one-and-a-half feet (18 inches) of floss.
- Hold a short amount of floss between your thumb and fingers, and insert it between your teeth.
- Curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape.
- Gently move the floss using a slow back-and-forth motion and up and down, including under the gumline. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
- Use a new section of floss for each tooth.
