Teeth Flossing

How do I Floss my Teeth?

• Break off about 35cm of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.

• Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand so that about 1cm is between the fingers. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

• Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.

• If you have a bridge, use superfloss or a floss threader to clean under the bridge.

People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use flossettes. These aids include special brushes, picks or sticks and are available from our Dental Shop. If you use interdental cleaners, ask us how to use them properly to avoid injuring your gums.

Use of Flossette	Using a Floss Threader

Back to Gum Disease