The Right Way to Floss

Most people know they should floss, but many either skip it or aren't sure they're doing it correctly. The truth is, flossing is just as important as brushing!

Flossing at least once a day is one of the easiest ways to protect your smile and prevent dental problems before they start.

Why Flossing Is So Important

Every day, food particles and bacteria collect between your teeth. If they aren't removed, they form plaque, a sticky film that can lead to:

• Cavities between teeth

• Bad breath

• Inflamed or bleeding gums

• Gum disease

• Tartar buildup that can only be removed during a professional cleaning

• ⚠️ Water flossing can be used to aid traditional flossing, but NOT to replace

Even if your teeth look clean, plaque can still hide below the gumline.

How to Floss the Right Way

1. Use Enough Floss

Break off about 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around one middle finger and the rest around the opposite middle finger, leaving about 1–2 inches to work with.

2. Gently Guide the Floss

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.

Slide it gently between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Never snap the floss into your gums, as this can cause injury.

3. Form a "C" Shape

Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it around one tooth to form a "C."

This allows the floss to hug the side of the tooth instead of simply passing between the teeth.

4. Clean Below the Gumline

Gently move the floss up and down several times along the side of the tooth, extending just below the gumline.

Repeat the process on the adjacent tooth before removing the floss.

5. Use a Clean Section

As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind a fresh section of floss to avoid transferring bacteria

Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?

The good news is that either order works, as long as you floss at least once each day.

Many dental professionals recommend flossing before brushing because it loosens plaque and food debris, allowing your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean those areas more effectively.

My Gums Bleed When I Floss. Should I Stop?

No.

Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque buildup. If you've recently started flossing, mild bleeding may occur for several days.

With consistent daily flossing and proper brushing, healthy gums usually become less inflamed and the bleeding often improves within one to two weeks.

However, if bleeding continues or your gums are painful or swollen, it's important to schedule a dental evaluation.

What If I Hate Traditional Floss?

The best floss is the one you'll actually use. There are several effective alternatives:

• Floss picks

• Soft picks

• Interdental brushes (especially for larger spaces or around dental work)

If you're unsure which option is best for your teeth, ask your dental team for a recommendation.

Common Flossing Mistakes

Avoid these habits:

• Flossing only the front teeth

• Snapping the floss into your gums

• Sliding straight through without wrapping around the tooth

• Reusing the same dirty section of floss

• Flossing only when food gets stuck

Helping Children Build Healthy Flossing Habits

Children should begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch, since a toothbrush can't clean between them. Parents should help floss until their child has the hand coordination to do it well on their own, typically around 8–10 years old.

The best way to build the habit is to make flossing part of the nightly routine. Keep it fun by using kid-friendly floss picks, playing a favorite song, or using a sticker chart to celebrate consistency. Most importantly, set a good example. Children are more likely to floss when they see their parents doing it every day.

During your child's regular dental checkups, we can also demonstrate proper flossing techniques and help reinforce healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Keep Healthy Habits for a Healthy Smile

Daily brushing and flossing work together to keep your mouth healthy. Brushing cleans the visible surfaces of your teeth, while flossing removes plaque and bacteria where your toothbrush can't reach.

Spending just a few minutes each day flossing can help reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and costly dental treatment in the future.

If you're not sure whether your flossing technique is effective, we're happy to demonstrate proper technique during your next visit. A few small adjustments can make a big difference in protecting your smile for years to come.