Floss

Dental floss is a bundle of thin nylon filaments or plastic ribbon used in regular dental hygiene to maintain healthy and clean teeth. Floss is commonly supplied in plastic dispensers. The floss may be flavored, unflavored, waxed or un-waxed.

The dental floss is held between the fingers. Experimenting with different techniques usually reveals the best way to keep the floss taut. The floss can be wrapped around one or both fingers at the first joint. Since wrapping the floss too tightly can reduce the circulation to the fingers, an alternative is making a loop with the floss by tying the ends together in several knots.

Some people have found that plastic wands or floss picks are easier to use when flossing. These special flossing tools can make reaching the posterior teeth easier.

The floss is carefully inserted on the side of the tooth close to the gum line and is gently slid back and forth, removing particles of food and dental plaque, a bacteria that forms on tooth surfaces.

The American Dental Association advises curving the floss against the side of the tooth in the shape of the letter C and gently sliding the floss down the tooth from under the gum line to the tip two or three times, repeating for each tooth. Flossing correctly at least once a day removes the plaque and contributes to optimum oral health. Using a clean section of floss for each tooth is recommended to avoid moving plaque bacteria between teeth.

Bleeding gums are typical if flossing is only done occasionally or done improperly. Another cause of bleeding is inflammation of the gingival tissue due to gingivitis.