The Proper Flossing Technique

Every time you visit Greenville Family Dentistry for a checkup, there’s one question we will ask you, “Have you been flossing regularly?” The answer might be yes, or no, but what many of these “non-flossers” don’t realize is that this step plays an important role in dental health. Flossing does more than pick the food out of your teeth and keeping your smile clean and healthy. It prevents against gum disease and tooth decay. If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, utilize this proper flossing technique the next time you carry out your oral hygiene routine.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!

If you have further questions about flossing or oral hygiene, give us a call. For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.