Flossing your teeth is an essential part of your daily dental hygiene routine. 

It not only removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, but it also helps to prevent gum disease and bad breath. 

Many people, including many of our patients, find flossing to be a difficult and tedious task, but with the right technique and tools, it can be a breeze!

In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of flossing your teeth like a pro.

Step 1: Choose the Right Floss

The first step to flossing your teeth is to choose the right type of floss. There are many different types of floss available, including waxed and unwaxed, flavoured and unflavoured, and even floss picks. It's important to choose a floss that is comfortable for you to use and that fits your teeth well.

If you're unsure about which type of floss to use, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for a recommendation. You can also try different types of floss until you find the one that works best for you. Just ask us at your next check-up or hygiene visit at Paste and we can provide you with flossing tips and recommend the best floss for your teeth!

Step 2: Cut a Piece of Floss

Once you've chosen your floss, cut a piece that is around 15 inches long. This may seem like a lot, but you'll need enough length to wrap around your fingers and manoeuvre between all of your teeth. Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss between your fingers.

Step 3: Slide the Floss Between Your Teeth

Next, slide the floss between your teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping the floss between your teeth, as this can cause injury to your gums. Use a gentle sawing motion to move the floss between your teeth until you reach the gumline.

Step 4: Curve the Floss Around Your Tooth

Once you reach the gumline, curve the floss around the base of the tooth, making a C-shape. Gently move the floss up and down along the side of the tooth, being careful not to push too hard or dig into your gums. Repeat this process for each tooth, making sure to use a fresh section of floss for each one.

Step 5: Don't Forget the Back Teeth

When flossing, it's easy to focus on the front teeth and forget about the back ones. But the back teeth are just as important to floss as the front ones. Make sure to reach all the way to the back of your mouth and floss between your molars.

Step 6: Rinse Your Mouth

After you've finished flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any loosened debris. This will also help to freshen your breath and leave your mouth feeling clean.

Step 7: Don't Forget to Floss Daily

Flossing once a day is essential for maintaining good oral health. If you're new to flossing, it may take some time to get into the habit. But with practice and persistence, flossing will become a natural part of your daily routine.

So there you have it, you will be flossing like a BOSS in no time!

Flossing your teeth is an important part of your dental hygiene routine. By choosing the right floss, cutting a piece of the appropriate length, and using the correct technique, you can remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and prevent gum disease and bad breath. Don't forget to floss daily and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. At Paste dental we are always available to provide you with flossing tips and recommendations so your oral hygiene is always on point!