How to Floss the Right Way (and When a Water Flosser Helps)

Brushing cleans the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth, but it misses the tight spaces between them, which make up a large share of each tooth's surface. That's where plaque hides, where many cavities start and where gum disease often begins. Cleaning between your teeth once a day closes the gap. Here's how to do it well, and what to use if traditional floss isn't for you.

Why cleaning between teeth matters

Plaque between teeth irritates the gums and, left alone, hardens into tartar. Over time that leads to bleeding gums, cavities between teeth, bad breath and gum disease. A daily routine of cleaning between your teeth is one of the most effective things you can do for your gums. Our post on signs of gum disease explains what's at stake.

How to floss with string floss

1. Use about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around one middle finger and a little around the other.
2. Hold it tight between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with.
3. Slide it gently between two teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Don't snap it into the gums.
4. Curve it into a C shape against one tooth and gently slide it just under the gumline.
5. Move it up and down against the side of the tooth a few times, then curve it around the neighboring tooth and repeat.
6. Use a clean section of floss for each space, and don't forget the back side of your last molars.

It should take only a couple of minutes once you get the hang of it.

If your gums bleed

Bleeding is common when you start flossing, and it's usually a sign of inflammation from plaque that's been sitting there, not a reason to stop. Keep flossing gently every day; most people see bleeding improve within one to two weeks. If it doesn't, or your gums are swollen or sore, let us know.

Alternatives that work

If string floss is hard for you, there are other good options:

• Floss picks. Easier to hold, especially for kids and for reaching back teeth.
• Interdental brushes. Tiny brushes that fit between teeth. They're especially good for larger gaps, around bridges and for people with gum recession.
• Water flossers. A pulsing stream of water flushes out plaque and debris. They're especially helpful for people with braces, implants, bridges or limited dexterity, and for people who simply won't floss otherwise.
• Floss threaders and super floss help clean under bridges and around permanent retainers.

The best tool is the one you'll use every day. Some patients combine them, such as a water flosser at night and floss picks on the go.

When to floss

Once a day is enough, and timing is up to you. Many people find bedtime easiest to remember, and cleaning before bed means less plaque sits on your teeth overnight. Whether you floss before or after brushing matters much less than doing it consistently.

Tips for kids

Start cleaning between your child's teeth as soon as two teeth touch. Floss picks are easier for small mouths, and most children need help until around age 8 to 10. Our pediatric dentistry page has more tips for each age.

We're happy to show you

If you're not sure you're doing it right, ask at your next cleaning, and we'll gladly demonstrate. Pair good flossing with the right brush, too; see electric vs. manual toothbrushes. To book a visit, request an appointment online or call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772.