Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. It helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

There are many different types of floss available, including waxed, unwaxed, and flavored floss. You can also choose from a variety of flossing tools, such as floss picks and interdental brushes. The best type of floss and flossing tool for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

How to floss with traditional floss

To floss with traditional floss, follow these steps:

1. Break off about 18 inches of floss.
2. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers.
3. Gently slide the floss between two teeth, using a back-and-forth motion.
4. Curve the floss around each tooth and scrape up and down to remove plaque and food particles.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 until you have flossed between all of your teeth.

How to floss with a floss pick

To floss with a floss pick, follow these steps:

1. Hold the floss pick between your thumb and forefinger.
2. Gently slide the floss pick between two teeth.
3. Curve the floss around each tooth and scrape up and down to remove plaque and food particles.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until you have flossed between all of your teeth.

How to floss with an interdental brush

To floss with an interdental brush, follow these steps:

1. Choose an interdental brush that is the right size for the spaces between your teeth.
2. Gently insert the interdental brush between two teeth.
3. Brush the inside and outside of each tooth.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until you have flossed between all of your teeth.

Tips for flossing

• Floss once a day, preferably at night before bed.
• Be gentle when flossing. Do not force the floss between your teeth or saw back and forth.
• If your gums bleed when you floss, do not be discouraged. This is a sign of gum inflammation and bleeding should go away with regular flossing.
• If you have braces or other dental appliances, ask your dentist for tips on how to floss around them.

Why flossing is important

Flossing is important because it helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Gum disease is a serious infection that can damage your gums and bones. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Flossing is also important for people with braces or other dental appliances. These appliances can make it difficult to brush your teeth effectively, so flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from around them.

How to make flossing a habit

Flossing can be difficult to make a habit at first, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier:

• Keep floss in your car, at work, and in your bag so you can floss whenever you have a chance.
• Set a reminder on your phone to floss once a day.
• Floss while you’re watching TV or listening to music.
• Floss with a friend or family member.

Flossing is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. By following the tips above, you can learn how to floss like a pro and keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.