How To Properly...
Floss
Because flossing teeth is done to remove food particles and plaque from under the gums and in places a toothbrush cannot reach, it is better done while looking into a mirror. This way you can see where the floss is going into and under the gum line so you can avoid damaging them by slicing into them inadvertently.
You can use nylon floss, which comes waxed or unwaxed, but which is made up of strands of nylon and, therefore, can be more easily shredded or torn between the teeth. Monofilament floss, called PDFE, which is single strand floss, may cost a bit more but is much less likely to shred or tear between tight teeth.
Start by pulling off at least 18" of floss from the container or roll. Wrap it around each of your middle fingers or your index finger, whatever you find most comfortable, and only leave an inch or probably two inches of floss in the middle with which to work between the teeth.
Make sure to hold the floss taut between each of your thumbs and each of your middle or index fingers.
Remember you do not want to damage your delicate gums! So now gently begin to work the floss up and down in a rubbing motion between each tooth. Make sure to bring the floss around the base of each tooth and on both sides of each tooth and gently, remember, slide it under the gum line of each tooth!
Remember that you have upper and lower teeth, so be certain you floss your upper and lower teeth! If you have a missing tooth, remember to floss the side of that one, too.
As you move the floss from each tooth, keep using a new section of the floss. As you do that, keep using the up and down, or zig zag, motion to remove it from between each tooth.
You may find regular dental floss too difficult to use. If that is the case, there are a great variety of dental floss holders available. So, if you prefer using a ready-made dental flosser, there are several types and brands from which to choose. Preference should be given to one that is a longer one because it will most likely be easier to use and the length of it will make it easier for you to be able to access the hard-to-reach areas in your mouth.
When you begin to floss with the flosser device, make sure to hold it so that you face the floss into the area where you want to begin flossing. Again, remember to insert the floss between the teeth gently and do not shove it between the teeth.
Use the smooth up and down motion to bring the floss around each tooth and gently under the gums, remembering to floss the sides of teeth where a tooth is missing.
You should floss once daily. This is important because, as announced on "Star Trek," the floss can go where no toothbrush has gone before!!
