Floss Your Teeth The Right Way: A Simple Guide From Surfside Smiles

Keeping your gums healthy starts with a daily habit. When you floss your teeth you remove the sticky plaque that hides between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Do it once a day and your breath, gums, and smile will thank you.

Quick Start: How to Floss Your Teeth

• Use 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers

• Pinch a 1 inch section between your index fingers and thumbs

• Guide the floss gently between teeth

• Curve it into a C shape around one tooth and slide under the gumline

• Wipe the side of the tooth with 3 to 5 up and down strokes

• Switch to a clean section and repeat for every space

• Rinse and look for any spots that bleed so you can focus there tomorrow

Why Floss Your Teeth Every Day

• Removes plaque and food between teeth

• Prevents bleeding gums and gum disease

• Cuts the risk of cavities that start between teeth

• Helps keep your breath fresh

• Protects your investment in crowns, implants, and orthodontics

What To Use

• Waxed string floss for tight contacts

• Unwaxed floss for a squeaky clean feel

• Floss picks for on the go convenience

• Water flossers if you have braces, bridges, or arthritis

• Interdental brushes for larger spaces and under bridges

Use what you will actually use. The best choice is the one that fits your routine.

Step by Step: Perfect Your Technique

1. Tear off about 18 inches. Wrap most around your left middle finger. Wrap the rest around your right middle finger.

2. Hold a short span between your index fingers and thumbs for control.

3. Glide the floss gently between teeth. If it snaps, try a zigzag motion.

4. Hug the side of the back tooth in a C shape. Slide under the gumline. Wipe upward 3 to 5 times.

5. Reposition the floss to hug the front tooth. Repeat the strokes.

6. Move to a clean section of floss and go to the next space.

7. Do not forget the back of your last molars.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Sawing straight across which can cut the gum

• Skipping the curve around each tooth

• Rushing so you miss the gumline

• Reusing a dirty section that moves plaque around

Braces, Bridges, and Implants

• Use a threader or super floss to get under wires and bridges.

• For implants, use implant-safe floss or interdental brushes with a soft touch.

• A water flosser makes daily care much easier with orthodontics.

If Your Gums Bleed

Bleeding means the area needs more cleaning, not less. Keep going gently in that spot for a week. If bleeding or pain lasts longer than ten days, schedule an exam so we can check for gum disease.

Fresh Breath Bonus

Food and plaque trapped between teeth feed odor-causing bacteria. If you want to go deeper on breath care, read our guide to bad breath treatment. It explains common causes of halitosis, how we diagnose the source, and the treatments that restore fresh breath. This pairs well with your daily plan to floss your teeth.

Make It A Habit

• Floss before you brush at night so fluoride can reach clean surfaces

• Keep floss on your counter, not in a drawer

• Set a daily reminder on your phone

• Reward yourself for seven days in a row and keep the streak going

When To Call Us

Tender gums, spaces that always trap food, or floss that keeps shredding are signs to come in. We can spot hidden tartar, cavities between teeth, or a rough edge on a filling.

Surfside Smiles | Dentist in Surfside Beach SC
Same day visits available. Call (843) 848-2483 or book online.

FAQs: How to Floss Your Teeth

How often should I floss my teeth?
Once a day. Night is best so you go to bed with a clean mouth.

Is a water flosser enough, or do I still need string floss?
Water flossers help, especially with braces or bridges, but string floss removes sticky plaque best. Use both if you can.

Should I floss before or after brushing?
Floss first. It removes debris so fluoride toothpaste can reach between teeth.

My gums bleed when I floss. Should I stop?
Keep going gently. Bleeding usually improves in a week. If it does not, schedule an exam.

What type of floss is best?
Use the one you will use daily. Waxed for tight contacts, unwaxed for a squeaky clean feel, tape for wider spaces.

How much floss should I use each time?
About 18 inches so you can switch to a clean section for each space.

How do I floss if my teeth are tight and the floss shreds?
Try waxed or PTFE floss and a gentle zigzag motion. If shredding continues, we should check for a rough filling edge.

Are floss picks effective?
Yes for convenience. Angle the pick to curve around each tooth and use multiple picks so you keep things clean.

How do I floss with braces, bridges, or a permanent retainer?
Use a floss threader or super floss to get under wires and bridges. A water flosser makes it easier.

How do I floss dental implants safely?
Use implant-safe floss or soft interdental brushes. Be gentle around the gum line.

Can flossing reverse gingivitis?
Often yes, when combined with good brushing. If gums stay tender or puffy, you may need a professional cleaning.

Does flossing help with bad breath?
Yes. It removes trapped food and plaque that feed odor-causing bacteria. See our guide to bad breath treatment for deeper fixes.

What age should kids start to floss their teeth?
Start as soon as two teeth touch. Parents should help until about age eight to ten.

Can flossing create spaces between my teeth?
No. It removes plaque that can cause swollen gums. As swelling goes down, teeth may look more defined, not farther apart.