Flossing

Brushing your teeth regularly is an essential aspect of maintaining good oral health but sometimes it is just not enough to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Flossing can help to get rid of this hard to reach build up and reduce your risk of gum disease or irritation.

Dental floss is a thin, soft thread made from nylon or plastic. Dental tape does the same job but it is thicker and can be easier to use.

Tips for perfect flossing

• Cut off a section of floss long enough to wind around the middle fingers of each hand
• Grip the floss with your thumb and forefinger of each hand, leaving 1-2 inches and pull this tight so you can insert it in a gap between two teeth
• Gently guide the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth and under the gumline, then curve into a C-shape against the tooth until you feel resistance
• Repeat this process using a fresh section of floss for the next gap and try not to miss out any teeth
• Remember to floss the side of the teeth at the back of your mouth too

When you first start flossing, you may experience tenderness and a little bleeding but this should stop if you keep at it. If you’re still getting regular bleeding after a few days, check with us to make sure you are flossing correctly. If you find flossing a little tricky then you can always try a floss holder or interdental brush.