Daily flossing is the best way to dislodge plaque and bacteria to keep gum disease at bay, and can be easy once you know the proper technique:
1. Gather 24 inches of dental floss, wrapping most of it around one index or middle finger.
2. Wind the remaining few inches around the index finger of your other hand, keeping about 1-inch of floss taut between your fingers and thumbs.
3. Gently glide the floss between your teeth. If you’re having trouble getting the floss between your teeth, try not to force it, as it can slip and cause damage to your gums.
Instead:
1. Use a gentle side-to-side rocking motion to get the floss where it needs to be.
2. Once the floss is between your teeth, slide it into the gum line while following the c-shaped curve of the tooth.
Repeat this process for both sides of every tooth. To help prevent the spread of bacteria, be sure to wind a new 1-inch section of floss before moving on to the next tooth.
