Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque
from between teeth and at the gumline, where periodontal disease often
begins.
If you find using floss awkward or difficult, ask your dental hygienist about
the variety of dental floss holders or interdental cleaning devices that are
available.
1) Wind 18″ of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between
thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1″- 2″ length in between. Use thumbs to
direct floss between upper teeth.
2) Keep a 1″ – 2″ length of floss taut between fingers. Use index fingers to
guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
3) Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. DO NOT
SNAP FLOSS BETWEEN YOUR TEETH. Contour floss around the side of the tooth.
4) Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline.
Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.
