Flossing your teeth is an important step in your dental hygiene. You can protect your teeth and gums from decay by removing bacteria and food residue when you floss at least once a day. Find a time of day when you have a few extra minutes to floss after brushing your teeth. To make sure you’re flossing the right way, we’ve simplified the process into six easy steps.

Step 1: Break off approximately 18 inches of floss and wrap the majority of it around one of your middle fingers. Leaving enough space, wrap the other end of the floss around your middle finger on the opposite hand. As you floss, this hand will gather the used floss.

Step 2: Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers.

Step 3: Gently guide the floss in between your teeth, up to your gum line. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums.

Step 4: Once the floss reaches your gum line, curve the floss in a “C” shape around one tooth. Then, carefully slide the floss into the space between the top of your tooth and gums.

Step 5: While you hold the floss tightly against the side of your tooth, move the floss away from your gum by rubbing gently in an up and down motion. Repeat these steps on every tooth, including your back molars.

Step 6: Throw the used floss away. Reusing old floss will not be as effective and has the potential to leave behind bacteria.

If you have questions about the proper flossing technique, call us at Atkins and Anderson Dentistry. Brushing and flossing regularly are critical to a healthy mouth, but nothing compares to the deep clean we can give your teeth and gums in our office. Scheduling a routine dental visit is another way you can protect your teeth from decay. Contact us today and make an appointment for you and your family.