What’s The Best Way to Floss

We all know we should floss, but it can be tough. Part of this is because flossing can feel like an extra task in an already busy day, but it can also feel like a challenge to know the right way to floss.

Whatever the excuse, flossing can make a big difference in your oral health. Regular flossing can help prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease, ensuring healthier teeth and fresher breath. Here’s how to do it right.

Why Flossing is Important

Brushing is great for cleaning the front and back surfaces of your teeth, but flossing focuses on the gaps where food and bacteria often hide—specifically, the spaces between your teeth and under your gum line. These areas are prone to plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum problems if left unchecked.

Here’s why that’s so important:

• Preventing Plaque and Tartar: Together, brushing and flossing removes the sticky film of bacteria (plaque) that forms on and between your teeth.
• Avoiding Gum Disease: Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, often starts between the teeth.
• Better Breath: Dental floss helps remove trapped food particles that can cause bad breath.

The Right Way to Floss

The key to effective flossing isn’t just doing it—it’s doing it correctly. Proper technique ensures you’re removing debris and plaque without causing damage to your gums or teeth.

How Often to Floss

When it comes to flossing, “consistency is key” is more than just a cliché. Occasional flossing is not optimal for your oral health. Dentists recommend flossing daily to actively reduce the chances of plaque turning into stubborn tartar. Once per day is typically considered sufficient, but twice is okay as long as you avoid overdoing it. Over-brushing or over-flossing can cause damage to teeth and gums.

When Is the Best Time to Floss

Most people find that flossing at night before bed offers an advantage by removing the day’s food and plaque buildup. However, the best time to floss is whenever it works best for you. Morning, afternoon, or evening, what matters is that you build a routine you can stick to.

How to Floss with Traditional String Floss

When most of us think of flossing, we think of rolls of string, usually covered with wax to allow for smoother movement. This type of floss is common and is used by holding either end of the string to guide the floss between teeth. Here are some tips for proper flossing with string:

• Use the Right Amount of Floss: Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a small section (about 2 inches) to work with.
• Gently Slide the Floss Between Your Teeth: Using a gentle sawing motion, guide the floss between your teeth. Avoid snapping it, as this can hurt your gums.
• Form a C-Shape: Curve the floss around each tooth, creating a “C” shape. Slide it up and down the side of the tooth and below the gumline to remove plaque.
• Use a Clean Section for Each Tooth: After cleaning one tooth, unwind a new section of floss to ensure you’re not reintroducing plaque or debris.
• Don’t Forget the Back Teeth: Be sure to floss the last molars, which are often neglected.

Different Types of Flossing Tools

Flossing doesn’t have to mean traditional string floss. Many people find that sting floss does not work for them, and that’s okay! There are other effective flossing options out there.

String Floss

As we mentioned, string floss is the classic option. But even string floss is available in waxed, unwaxed, and flavored varieties. It’s effective and affordable, but it can be tricky to use for people with limited dexterity or tightly spaced teeth.

Pros:

• Highly effective for plaque removal
• Portable and affordable

Cons:

• Can be difficult to use in hard-to-reach areas
• May cause gum irritation if used incorrectly

Floss Picks

Floss picks are small plastic tools with a piece of pre-threaded floss. They’re convenient and easy to use, especially for those on the go. However, they may not reach all areas as effectively as traditional floss.

Pros:

• Convenient and travel-friendly
• Good for beginners or kids

Cons:

• Limited reach compared to string floss
• Less eco-friendly

Water Flossers

Water flossers use a pressurized stream of water to remove debris and bacteria. They’re particularly helpful for people with braces, bridges, or sensitive gums.

Pros:

• Easy to use for people with limited dexterity
• Gentle on gums
• Great for braces and dental work

Cons:

• Higher cost and requires electricity
• Less effective at removing sticky plaque than string floss

Interdental Brushes

These tiny brushes are designed to fit between teeth and clean the spaces effectively. They’re an excellent option for people with larger gaps between their teeth.

Pros:

• Easy to use and effective for wide gaps
• Reusable for certain models

Cons:

• Not suitable for very tight spaces
• Slightly more expensive than traditional floss

Improve Your Flossing Game

Flossing doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Choose the best tools, method, and time for you, and be consistent.

If you still have flossing questions, our team is here to help. Book an appointment today! We can help with every step of your oral health routine.