How to floss your teeth: expert tips from a dental hygienist

As a dental hygienist, I’m often asked by my patients what the best way to floss your teeth is. In this post, I’ll give you my expert tips and tell you about new findings that suggest there’s a more effective way to clean the spaces between your teeth than flossing.

It is important to clean between our teeth every day. If food debris is left to develop into plaque and tartar it can result in bad smelly breath, gum disease and tooth decay.

These conditions can lead to a loss of confidence in yourself and your social interactions, because if you have bad breath and poor teeth, it can be an unpleasant experience for other people.

So, this is why interdental cleaning should be part of your daily routine. Below I’ll share my expert tips on how to floss effectively.

EXPERT TIPS: How to floss your teeth

The basics

Take around 18 inches of floss string and pull it taught between two fingers, or between both hands. Push the taught string into the gaps between each tooth and clean the food debris out with a back and forwards motion. Don’t be alarmed if you notice a smell when doing this.

Persistence

Once you’re used to interdental cleaning, it only takes a couple of minutes during your nightly routine to do it. If you are persistent, it will become a natural part of your day and you’ll have fresh breath, a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Isn’t that totally worth it?!

Be gentle, don’t force it

Sometimes getting the floss string between the teeth requires a little effort, but don’t be so rough that you cut into your gums. Just use a gentle back and forth motion and it will fit into the space after a few seconds.

Don’t be tempted to leave hard to reach places

The back teeth can be especially hard to reach, but this is where most of the food debris is hiding, so it’s important not to leave these out. Try and pull your cheek back to allow easier access.

Interdental brushes: better than flossing

Several studies have proven that using interdental brushes to clean the spaces between your teeth is way more effective than flossing. This is because they come in different sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your teeth. The soft bristles fill the space and therefore clean it better. They also remove up to 40% more plaque and food residue compared to brushing alone.

Check out this video to see the amazing benefits of interdental brushes.

So, before you start practicing how to use floss, there’s actually an easier, better way to clean between your teeth.

Whatever you use, if you make interdental cleaning part of your daily routine you’ll keep your mouth healthy, your breath fresh and your smile beautiful.

Just think of me as your personal dental hygiene trainer. Here to support you in the practice of persistence!

Explore our blog for more oral health advice and tips.

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