Useful Advice on Flossing

Flossing

What is floss used for?
To remove the plaque between your teeth.

Where do most cavities and periodontal disease begin?
Between the teeth.

How often should you floss your teeth?
At least once a day.

True or False, you must use a special type of floss to ensure proper maintenance?
False, don't worry about the type of Floss. They all work pretty much the same.

Explain the process for proper flossing.

Wind 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving about five inches between your hands.

Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers and leave about 1 inch in between to work with.

Gently guide the floss down between the teeth using a side to side motion.

If your teeth are too tight to floss, or if it catches or tears, the dentist should be notified.

Pull the floss tightly in a C shape around the side of the tooth and slide it under the gumline.

Clean the surface of the tooth by using an up and down motion, not side to side, until the surface is clean.

When all the plaque has been removed you'll hear the floss start to squeak.

Wind the floss to a fresh section.

Gradually work your way around your mouth cleaning both sides of every tooth.