How to Floss Your Teeth the Right Way

Brushing is great. But without flossing you’re missing 35% of each tooth's surface!

 

So you’re brushing twice a day. Awesome! But did you know that brushing alone won't keep your mouth clean? Proper dental flossing reaches those areas your toothbrush can't, like between your teeth and under the gum line.

 

5 steps to frustration-free flossing:

1. Select the right dental floss for you. Ask your dentist for recommendations. Waxed floss generally slides a little easier.
2. Loosely wrap 18 inches of dental floss around your middle fingers until you have about 2 inches left between your fingers.
3. Hold floss firmly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss in a "C-shape" up and down between your teeth, working it beneath the gum line on both sides.
4. Move to a clean section of floss and repeat until you have cleaned around each tooth.
5. Rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash.

 

WATCH: Learn more about proper flossing technique in our quick video

 

Want to learn more about taking care of your mouth?

How to properly brush your teeth

Why gum care prevents disease

Taking care of your toothbrush

Keeping your lips soft