How to floss

Dental floss is an extension of the toothbrush, and is used to clean surfaces that the brush can't reach.  

Floss it up: 

• Wind a length of floss around your index fingers. Hold it taut, unwinding and winding as you clean sections of your teeth. 
• Slip the thread gently between the teeth and up and under the gum line. Remember, you're after the plaque on the side of the tooth. 
• When you reach the gum line, curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it carefully between tooth and gum until you feel a resistance. 
• Pull the floss down the side of the one tooth, pull it out, and then reinsert it for the side of the adjacent tooth. 
• Do not "saw" back and forth!
• If your gums bleed, keep flossing. The bleeding will subside as your gums become used to the flossing. 

Tips 

• If your teeth are set close together with few spaces in between, used a waxed floss as it's less likely to catch or fray in tight spots.
• Cut down on the sweets and sticky foods you eat. Rinse your mouth after sweet treats.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for an evaluation, cleaning and polishing.