Did you know that tooth decay can cause serious health problems? It’s true! Not only will unhealthy teeth ruin your smile, but it can also lead to major issues like brain and heart infections! 

Ask any dentist or dental hygienist and they’ll tell you that regular brushing and flossing is one of the most important things you can do. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand how to use dental floss the right way.

Don’t worry, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. By the time you’re done with this quick guide, you’ll know how to floss your teeth like a pro! And if you ever face urgent oral issues, you can consider dental solutions with emergency dentist coconut grove fl. 

How to Use Dental Floss: Step by Step

Following a simple 5-step guide is the best way to start using dental floss the right way. It should be noted that there are different methods, such as using a water pic or a flossing device. For the purposes of this tutorial, though, we’re going to cover how to use waxed dental floss.

Step 1: Break Off Your Floss

Start by pulling about 18 to 24 inches of floss from the holder. Wind most of the floss around each middle finger so that there’s only about 1 or 2 inches of floss between them. This is the part you’ll use to floss your teeth.

Step 2: Hold the Floss Correctly

Once the floss is wrapped around your middle fingers, use your thumb and index fingers to pull it taught. This will ensure that the floss can get down between your teeth effectively.

Step 3: Glide the Floss

Next, you want to guide the floss gently between two of your teeth. It’s usually best to start with the furthest-back teeth and work your way forward.

Carefully slide the floss up and down so that it rubs against the side of each tooth. Be careful not to slide the floss all the way down into your gums. Otherwise, you could scratch or bruise your gums.

Step 4: Gently Floss the Gums

When the floss gets down to your gumline, curve it so that it creates a C-shape. This will allow it to get into the space between your teeth and gums without causing problems.

Step 5: Repeat

Repeat the steps above as you move from one tooth to the next. Wind the floss from one finger to the next as you do, so that you’re using a fresh, clean section of floss on each tooth.

It’s often a good idea to work your way to the middle of your mouth, and then start on the back of the other side and work your way back to the middle. The exact method you use doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re sure to get each tooth.

You’re on Your Way to a Better Smile

Now that you know exactly how to use dental floss the right way, you’re well on your way to a better smile.

If you found this article helpful, take a moment to browse through a few more of our posts. We have lots of information to help you live healthy and well!