Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them, leaving no slack.
Use a gentle rocking motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Do not jerk the floss or snap the floss into the gums. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth until you feel resistance. Hold the floss against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum. Repeat on the other side of the gap, along the side of the next tooth. Keep to a regular pattern to ensure no teeth are missed. Remember flossing should not be painful if it is then your technique may be incorrect.
At Buckden Dental our Therapist Andrea and our Oral Hygiene instructors Alison and Kelly with discuss and demonstrate these techniques. Along with their help and having your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice per year.