The two-minute habit that protects your whole smile: your step-by-step guide to flossing
If flossing hasn’t made it into your daily routine, you’re not alone. It can feel fiddly and easy to skip, especially when you’re short on time. The good news is that a few simple tricks can make flossing easier and help turn it into a habit that sticks.
Why flossing matters for your oral health
Brushing removes much of the plaque from your teeth, but your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere. Plaque can build up between your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. That’s where flossing comes in. It helps remove plaque and food from those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth.
Flossing can feel fiddly or time-consuming at first, but our step-by-step guide makes it easier to add to your daily routine.
How to floss your teeth step-by-step
The key to successful flossing is a little patience and perseverance. Your gums may bleed if you haven’t flossed regularly before. Take it slowly and be gentle. Flossing in front of a mirror can also help you see what you’re doing.
Step one
Take a length of floss (about 30cm) and wrap it around the middle fingers on your left and right hand, leaving about 10cm of floss between them.
Step two
Use your thumb and index finger to pull the floss taut and slide this section gently between your teeth. There should only be about 3cm of taut floss between your index fingers.
Use a gentle sawing motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Move it along the side of each tooth to clear away plaque and food as you bring it back up. You can also slide the floss just below the gumline, but be gentle and don’t force it.
Step three
Work your way around your mouth in a set order so you don’t miss any teeth. For example, start from the top left, work around the top arch, then move to the bottom right and around the lower arch.
Remember to clean the surface behind the last tooth in each arch. Move the floss to a clean section each time you change teeth, or wipe it with a tissue, so plaque from one tooth isn’t carried to the next. Once you’re finished, gently brush your teeth and gums to complete your routine.
Alternatives to traditional dental floss
If traditional floss isn’t working for you, there are other tools that can make cleaning between your teeth easier:
- Floss holders: These handheld tools hold the floss for you, which can make it easier to reach around your mouth.
- Interdental brushes, such as Piksters: These small brushes are designed to clean plaque and food from the spaces between your teeth.
- Air flossers: These use air and water to clean between your teeth and may be a good option if you don’t enjoy traditional flossing.
Not sure which option is right for you? At your next nib Dental visit, ask your dentist to show you the best tool and technique for your teeth. Finding an approach that works for you can make it easier to keep up the habit and look after your oral health.
When’s the best time to start flossing?
There’s no better time to start than today. Making flossing part of your daily routine can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. And next time your dentist asks if you’ve been flossing, you’ll be able to say yes.
Should you floss your child’s teeth?
You can start flossing your child’s teeth once they begin touching, usually between the ages of two and six. Flossing takes coordination, so they’ll need your help until they can do it properly themselves, usually around age 10. If you’re unsure, always speak with your dentist first.
Tip: Try gently resting your child’s head in your lap so you have a clearer view while you floss their teeth.
Book your next appointment
If you would like to make an appointment with a nib dentist, find a location closest to you or book an appointment online.
