Gumsmart

Step 2 - Guide to flossing

Brushing your teeth only cleans up to 60% of your tooth surfaces, so you can see why flossing is so important in helping to prevent gum disease. Flossing before brushing loosens the bacteria and plaque, which allows it to be brushed away more easily. Floss once a day for healthier teeth and help prevent gum disease.

Only through flossing can you clean the areas your toothbrush cannot reach.

There are several varieties of floss – ask your dentist which is most suitable for you.

For effective flossing you should:

Woman flossing teeth
  1. Wind a long piece of floss around a finger on each hand. The best finger to use is the middle finger as this allows you to control a short length of floss with your index fingers or thumbs ensuring you can get to all those hard to reach areas.
  2. Try to push the floss against the tooth surface you are cleaning and then move the floss up and down the tooth surface to wipe the plaque off. Try not to use a sawing motion as you may damage the gum.
  3. Remember that there are two teeth to clean at each place you floss - the tooth behind and the tooth in front. When you put the floss between your teeth make sure you clean them both.Try to floss once a day for two to three minutes