If you don’t clean between your teeth, food debris and plaque can build up and cause gum inflammation, tooth decay and bad breath. Dental floss is a soft, thin thread that can be used daily to remove any unwelcome deposits.
Treatment steps
- Wind 15-18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of each hand and pull tightly.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape and slide it into the space between gum and tooth.
- Hold the floss tightly against the tooth, moving it up and down, and use a fresh piece of floss for each space between your teeth.
Don’t worry if you experience a little bleeding and tenderness when first flossing, this should soon diminish. And if you find it a little tricky, there are flossing aids available that can help make the cleaning process much easier.
Flossing can help in all sorts of ways, including improving your breath and the appearance of your teeth. It can also be beneficial for the rest of your body too as poor dental health has been linked to serious conditions, such as strokes and heart disease.
