The Right Way to Floss (You're Probably Doing It Wrong)

I'll be honest with you: in my years as a dental hygienist, I've seen countless patients who claim they floss daily—yet their gums tell a different story. The truth? Most people either don't floss at all, or they're doing it incorrectly. Let me show you the right way to floss so you can actually reap the benefits.

Why Flossing Matters (And Brushing Isn't Enough)

Your toothbrush can't reach between teeth where 40% of tooth surfaces are located. That's where plaque and food particles hide, leading to:

• Cavities between teeth (interproximal cavities)
• Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
• Bad breath (halitosis from trapped bacteria)
• Tartar buildup (hardened plaque that requires professional removal)

Flossing removes plaque before it hardens into tartar, prevents gum inflammation, and reduces your risk of tooth decay. It's not optional—it's essential.

5 Common Flossing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Mistake #1: Snapping the Floss Between Teeth

Why it's bad: Forcefully snapping floss can injure delicate gum tissue, causing bleeding and recession.

Fix: Gently glide the floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. If it's tight, use waxed floss or dental tape.

Mistake #2: Only Going Up and Down

Why it's bad: You're missing the plaque hiding just under the gumline and on the sides of each tooth.

Fix: Curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape and slide it gently under the gumline (more on this below).

Mistake #3: Using the Same Section of Floss

Why it's bad: You're just moving bacteria from one spot to another—gross and ineffective.

Fix: Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth. Wind the floss around your fingers to advance clean sections.

Mistake #4: Flossing Too Fast

Why it's bad: Rushing means you're not thoroughly cleaning each tooth surface.

Fix: Take your time. Proper flossing should take 2-3 minutes for all teeth.

Mistake #5: Giving Up When You See Blood

Why it's bad: Bleeding usually means inflamed gums from not flossing enough. Stopping makes it worse.

Fix: Keep flossing gently. Bleeding should stop within 1-2 weeks as gums heal. If it doesn't, see a dental professional.

The Correct Flossing Technique (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps for maximum effectiveness:

Step 1: Use Enough Floss

Tear off about 18 inches (45 cm) of floss. This gives you plenty of clean sections to work with.

Step 2: Wrap It Properly

Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers (not index fingers), leaving about 2 inches to work with. Use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss.

Pro tip: For lower teeth, use your index fingers. For upper teeth, use your thumbs.

Step 3: Glide Gently Between Teeth

Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between teeth. Never snap or force it.

Step 4: Curve Into a "C" Shape

This is the KEY step most people miss:

• Curve the floss around one tooth in a C-shape
• Gently slide it under the gumline (about 2-3mm)
• Move it up and down against the tooth surface 2-3 times
• Repeat on the adjacent tooth (don't forget—there are TWO sides to clean in each gap!)

Step 5: Use Fresh Sections

Unwind a clean section of floss before moving to the next tooth. Don't reuse dirty floss.

Step 6: Don't Skip the Back Teeth

Your molars are just as important! Curve the floss around the back of your last tooth on each side.

Step 7: Rinse

After flossing, rinse with water or mouthwash to flush out loosened debris.

Types of Floss (Which One Is Right for You?)

Waxed Floss

Best for: Tight contacts, beginners

✅ Glides easily between teeth
✅ Less likely to shred
❌ Slightly thicker

Unwaxed Floss

Best for: Normal spacing, those who prefer thin floss

✅ Thinner, fits in tight spaces
✅ Makes a squeaky sound when teeth are clean
❌ Can shred or fray

Dental Tape

Best for: Wide gaps, sensitive gums

✅ Wider and flatter
✅ Gentle on gums
❌ May not fit tight spaces

Floss Picks

Best for: Travel, kids, dexterity issues

✅ Convenient and portable
✅ Easy to use
❌ Less effective (reuses same piece of floss)
❌ Can't curve properly around teeth

Super Floss

Best for: Braces, bridges, implants

✅ Has a stiff end for threading under appliances
✅ Spongy section cleans around brackets
❌ Not needed for regular teeth

Alternatives to Traditional Floss

Water Flossers (e.g., Waterpik)

Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Water flossers use a stream of pulsating water to clean between teeth. They're excellent for:

• People with braces
• Those with arthritis or dexterity issues
• Implants and bridges
• Sensitive or inflamed gums

Note: They're great, but not a complete replacement for traditional floss. Use both for optimal results.

Interdental Brushes

Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Tiny brushes that fit between teeth. Ideal for:

• Wide gaps
• Braces
• Gum recession

Soft Picks

Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Rubber tip picks that massage gums and remove debris. Good for on-the-go, but less thorough than floss.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I floss?

Once a day, minimum. Preferably before bed, so bacteria don't sit between your teeth overnight.

Should I floss before or after brushing?

Before. Flossing first loosens debris, allowing toothpaste and fluoride to reach between teeth.

Why do my gums bleed when I floss?

Usually because of inflammation from not flossing enough. Keep flossing gently—it should improve in 1-2 weeks. Persistent bleeding? See a professional.

Can I floss too much?

It's rare, but aggressive flossing can damage gums. Once daily with proper technique is sufficient.

Is it normal for food to get stuck between my teeth?

Yes, especially after meals. That's exactly why you need to floss! If food consistently gets stuck in the same spot, it could indicate a cavity or misaligned teeth—worth checking out.

What if I have braces?

Use a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser. Yes, it takes longer, but it's crucial to prevent cavities around brackets.

Final Thoughts

Proper flossing removes plaque, prevents cavities, fights gum disease, and keeps your breath fresh. It takes just 2-3 minutes a day—a small investment for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

If you're still struggling with technique or have questions about the best floss for your needs, I'm here to help during your next cleaning appointment.