Oral Hygiene Basics: Recommended Flossing Techniques

Flossing is an oral hygiene basic that everyone should know. Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day to keep the teeth healthy.

However, if it has been a while since you learned how to floss, you may need a refresher course. Here is a breakdown of recommended flossing techniques to help you maintain your beautiful smile.

How to floss

While brushing your teeth is also part of oral hygiene basics, brushing alone does not eliminate all bacteria and leftover food particles. The spaces between your teeth are too tight for the bristles to fit, so you end up missing the smallest pieces. These food particles become plaque, a thin film of residue on your teeth containing bacteria. This bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease, both painful conditions that can lead to tooth loss or worse.

Flossing lets you get at the food and plaque accumulating between your teeth. However, to be effective, you need to floss correctly.

1. Use the right length

The ideal floss length is between 18 and 24 inches. If you use less, you will not have enough to floss between each tooth. If you use more, you will have unused floss left over, which is wasteful. You may also have difficulty controlling the length.

2. Hold the floss correctly

You only need 1 to 2 inches for actual flossing, so wind the ends around your fingers and pull taut for maximum control. You should use a new section of thread for each space, so you will need to rewrap your fingers as you go.

3. Floss between your teeth

The most effective flossing technique is to move the thread in a "c" shape against the sides of your teeth. This movement follows the natural curve of the tooth, ensuring you do not miss any spots.

4. Be gentle around your gums

Because floss thread is so thin, it can accidentally slip between your gums and teeth. However, this can hurt your gums and cause them to recede. To prevent this issue, be gentle when flossing near the base of each tooth.

5. Be methodical

The best way to ensure you get every tooth is to start with the molars and work your way across each line of teeth. When you are done with one space, you may have food or plaque on the floss. Wipe this on a tissue before continuing to avoid spreading bacteria.

Why you should floss once a day

Oral hygiene basics may feel tedious, but they are an essential part of maintaining your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease.