FALLS CHURCH, Va. – While you brush your teeth every day, that’s only part of good dental care. Your toothbrush misses the tight spaces between your teeth where plaque builds up, and decay can take hold. Flossing fills this gap by getting into those hard-to-clean places. When you floss correctly, you remove harmful plaque and protect your gums from disease. If you skip flossing, or do it incorrectly, you’ll miss the parts of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. This guide shows you the right way to floss so you can maintain a healthy smile.

Pick the right floss

When it comes to traditional string floss, you have a few options: waxed, unwaxed, tape, or tufted floss. You can also use floss picks or holders if string floss feels hard to manage. Ask your dentist which type they recommend. Then see which one works best for you.

How to floss with string floss

Use 18 inches of floss each time—enough to comfortably wrap each end of the floss around your fingers. Wrap one end around a finger on one hand. Wrap the other end around a finger on your other hand.

In a gentle sawing motion, move the floss gently between two teeth. Don’t snap it through. Wrap the floss snugly around each tooth into a “C-shape” and slide it up and down the side of the tooth. Move it slightly below the gumline, but don’t force it too far down.

Use a fresh section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth. Remember to floss the back surface of your last tooth at the very back of your mouth.

How often should you floss?

Experts recommend flossing at least once a day. Daily flossing breaks up plaque buildup. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, it hardens into tartar 24-72 hours after brushing and can cause tooth decay and gum inflammation. Only a dental professional can remove tartar.

Some studies show that flossing before you brush works best. Flossing first lifts food and plaque from hard-to-reach spots. Then you can brush and rinse them away more easily.

Flossing with braces or bridges

Braces and bridges need extra care. Heavy plaque builds up under bridges, around supporting teeth, and along orthodontic wires and brackets.

For braces: Use waxed floss with a floss threader. This plastic loop holds the floss so you can thread it around the wires. Loop the floss under the wire to clean between each tooth. Wrap the floss against the side of each tooth. Rub it up and down several times. Extend slightly below the gums. Pull the floss out and repeat on the next two teeth.
For bridges: Use a floss threader to thread the floss under your bridge. Floss around each tooth of the bridge. Gently pull the floss out when you finish.
Water flossers: These devices use a jet of water to flush away plaque. They work well for people with braces or bridges. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about the best way to clean your teeth with a water flosser.

Keep your smile healthy

Flossing takes just a few minutes each day. Make it part of your daily routine to prevent cavities and gum disease. Talk to your dental provider about the best flossing method for you. And remember, if you need any help learning how to use floss, floss threaders, or water flossers, just ask your dental or dental hygienist to show you.

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