We all know flossing is important, but are you doing it effectively? Proper flossing removes plaque, food particles, and debris from those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth, areas your toothbrush can’t clean. It’s a crucial step in maintaining optimal oral health.

Choosing the Right Floss:

There are two main types of dental floss:

Nylon (Multifilament) Floss: This type comes waxed or unwaxed and is made of multiple strands of nylon. It’s widely available and effective, but it can sometimes shred or tear, especially between tightly spaced teeth.
Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) (Monofilament) Floss: Often referred to as “single strand” floss, PTFE floss is stronger and less prone to shredding. It glides more easily between teeth, making it a good choice for those with tight spaces or dental work.

Both types of floss can be effective when used correctly. The best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

The Proper Flossing Technique:

Follow these steps for effective flossing:

Use Enough Floss: Start with about 18 inches (45 centimeters) of floss. This gives you enough clean floss to work with without being wasteful.
Proper Grip: Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) to work with. Hold the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers.
Gentle Guidance: Carefully guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into your gums, as this can cause damage and bleeding.
Curve and Clean: Once the floss reaches your gumline, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide the floss into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Up and Down Motion: Use an up-and-down motion to rub the side of the tooth, removing plaque and debris.
Clean Sections: Unwind fresh floss as you move from tooth to tooth, ensuring you’re always using a clean section.
Beneath the Gumline: Don’t forget to gently clean beneath the gumline, but be careful not to force the floss or irritate your gums. A gentle sawing, up and down, motion will do.
Repeat: Repeat these steps for each tooth, including the back sides of your last molars.

Floss at least one time a day for optimal results.

By Alexander Ash, DDS

Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.