How to Floss Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide
SmartSmile Team
Quick answer: clean between your teeth once a day. The American Dental Association's method: use about 18 inches of floss, curve it into a C-shape against each tooth at the gumline, slide it gently into the space between gum and tooth, and move to a clean section as you go.
How to floss, step by step
- Break off about 18 inches (45 cm). Wind most of it around one middle finger and a little around the other.
- Hold it tight between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving an inch or two to work with.
- Guide it between two teeth with a gentle rubbing motion. Don't snap it into your gums.
- Make a C-shape against one tooth at the gumline and gently slide the floss into the space between the gum and the tooth. Rub it up and down the side of the tooth, then repeat on the neighboring tooth.
- Unwind a fresh section and move to the next gap. Don't forget the back side of your last molars.
Before or after brushing?
The ADA says it doesn't matter, as long as you floss thoroughly. The most important thing is making it a daily habit. Many people find flossing before bed easiest to stick to.
Waxed or unwaxed?
Both clean. Many people find waxed floss (like SmartSmile Mint Waxed Floss) slides more easily between tight teeth.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Snapping floss onto the gums | Ease it in gently. Aggressive flossing can damage the tissue between your teeth |
| Only cleaning the gap, not the tooth sides | Hug each tooth in a C-shape |
| Reusing the same section | Unwind a clean section as you go |
| Skipping the back teeth | Floss behind your last molars too |
FAQ
My gums bleed when I floss. Should I stop?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, so don't ignore it. Keep your technique gentle, and if the bleeding continues or cleaning between your teeth hurts, talk with your dentist.
Are floss picks or water flossers OK?
The ADA says the best way to clean between your teeth is the method you'll actually use every day. Ask your dentist which suits you.
How much floss is in a SmartSmile dispenser?
Each compact dispenser holds 12 yards (36 feet) of mint waxed nylon floss.
Sources
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Flossing
- American Dental Association: Home Oral Care
- NHS: Gum disease
