- Use a piece of dental floss about 18 inches long.
- Using a sawing motion, gently bring the floss through the tight spaces between the teeth.
- Do not snap the floss against the gums.
- Curve the floss around each tooth and gently scrape from below the gum to the top of the tooth several times.
- Rinse your mouth after flossing.
Protect Your Teeth and Gums
Proper Flossing Every Day
From NIH, for About.com
Updated: July 21, 2006
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Demonstration of proper technique for flossing teeth.
public domain
Harmful germs attack the teeth and gums when plaque builds up. You can stop plaque build-up and prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing carefully every day.
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