Flossing

Flossing helps to remove any food particles that are sitting in between teeth. It removes all those particles that cannot be removed by brushing. Floss at least one day – that is the dentist recommendation.

Floss comes in two basic forms:

1. Nylon (multifilament) floss. This floss is made up of many strands of nylon fabric, making it stringy and possible to break apart. Nylon floss comes in waxed and unwaxed.
2. PTFE (monofilament) floss. This floss is made up of a single strand or thread, and glides in between even the tightest of spaces.

To receive maximum benefits from flossing, use the following technique:

• Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with
• Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth
• Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue
• Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth