How to properly use dental floss

You are flossing. Excellent, but for the floss to remove the plaque from your teeth effectively, you need to be sure that you are applying the correct technique.

Since you will place your fingers in your mouth, be sure to wash your hands before flossing. Then, just follow these steps:

• Use enough dental floss. Break a piece about 45 cm long. That seems like a lot, but you need enough to keep a segment clean while moving from tooth to tooth. Wrap most of the floss around the middle finger or index of the hand you prefer and wrap a small amount on the middle finger or forefinger of the other hand. (Using the middle finger allows the index to be free to manipulate the floss).
• Slide it between the teeth. Gently slide between the teeth in a zigzag motion and be careful not to allow the floss to break between the teeth.
• Form a «C». Make a C with the floss while wrapping it around the tooth. Then, gently, floss up from the gum line to the top of the tooth.
• Roll the floss. While moving from one tooth to another, unwind a clean section of floss from the finger of one hand as you roll the used floss to the finger of the other hand. Use your thumb as a guide.
  Reach both sides. Do not forget to floss on the back of the tooth.

As long as you use the correct technique, the type of floss you choose is a matter of personal preference. There are many types to choose from and you can even choose a variety of types to meet your needs and those of your family. Either way, using the right technique will help you remove excess food particles and plaque lodged between your teeth and help improve your oral health.