Oral Hygiene
Flossing

Flossing is very important because it cleans in between the teeth, an area where it is difficult for the bristles of the brush to penetrate. It is in this inter-dental area that a lot of dental decay and gum disease start.

Floss at least once a day.

Take your time — Flossing requires a certain amount of dexterity and thought. Don't rush.

Flossing is still possible with braces on your teeth, but it is necessary to thread the floss under the wire first. Ask your orthodontist to demonstrate this

How To Floss

1. Hold the floss so that a short length is ready to work with.
2. Guide the floss gently between two teeth. If the fit is tight, use a back-and-forth motion to work the floss through the narrow spot. Do not snap the floss in or you could cut your gums.
3. Hold the floss around the front and back of one tooth, making it into a "C" shape. This will wrap the floss around the side edge of that tooth.
4. Gently move the floss toward the base of the tooth and up into the space between the tooth and gum.
5. Move the floss up and down with light to firm pressure to skim off plaque in that area. Do not press so hard that you injure the gum.
6. Repeat for all sides of the tooth, including the outermost side of the last tooth. Advance the floss to a clean segment for each tooth edge.