How to Floss Properly: Step-By-Step Guide to Flossing Teeth

Summary

Flossing is one of those daily tasks that feels optional, so oftentimes it gets skipped. But that thin string does some big things. It gets to places your toothbrush can't, lifting out plaque and food bits hiding between teeth and along the gum line. Consistent flossing keeps your gums healthy and might even protect your heart. Once you get the hang of it, flossing will be a few simple minutes of your daily routine to protect your teeth and health. So, let’s learn the right way to floss, common mistakes, and helpful tools so you can make flossing an easy habit you’ll never skip.

Why Flossing Matters

Brushing removes plaque and grime from the surfaces of your teeth, but it only cleans about 65% of your tooth surfaces. Flossing tackles the 35% brushing misses, especially between teeth and under the gum line. That matters because plaque buildup in these spots can lead to cavities, gum irritation, and tartar hardening that requires a dentist’s or dental hygienist’s tools to remove. But dental research shows flossing isn’t just about oral health. Everyday oral inflammation may contribute to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even stroke. Preliminary research presented at an American Heart Association conference in early 2024 involving over 6,000 people found an association between flossing at least once a week and a lower risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation. Another study highlights that good oral hygiene, which helps manage the oral microbiome, is an important factor in supporting overall health and wellness, which contributes to longevity. So, flossing regularly is more than keeping a bright smile—it’s choosing long-term wellness.

There are many benefits, including some you might not have considered:

• Fewer cavities by removing plaque where toothbrushes miss
• Healthier gums reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
• Better breath through cleaning away trapped food and bacteria
• Whole body impact because flossing is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
• Lower dentist bills since there are fewer big problems that need addressing along with their bigger bills

Step-By-Step: How to Floss Properly

Follow these steps to floss your teeth correctly and thoroughly:

Step 1: Cut About 18 Inches of Floss
That might sound like a lot, but it gives you enough length to use a clean section between each tooth.

Step 2: Wrap the Floss Around Your Fingers
Wrap most of the floss around your middle finger in one hand, and the rest around your middle finger in the other hand. Leave about 1–2 inches of floss to work with between your fingers. Hold by your thumbs and index fingers for control.

Step 3: Gently Slide the Floss Between Your Teeth
Carefully insert the floss between two teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Don’t snap or force it—gentle pressure is key to avoid hurting your gums or causing them to bleed.

Step 4: Curve it into a “C” Shape Around Each Tooth
Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a “C” shape around one tooth. Gently slide it up and down along the side of the tooth, reaching just below the gum line.

Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side
Still using the same gap, curve the floss around the opposite tooth and repeat the up-and-down motion.

Step 6: Move to a Clean Section of Floss
Unwind a little fresh floss from one finger and rewind the used floss onto the other. This keeps you from spreading plaque and bacteria from one area to another.

Step 7: Continue for All Your Teeth
Don’t forget the back sides of your last molars. They’re often missed but still need attention.

Step 8: Dispose and Rinse
Throw away the used floss; don’t save and reuse it. Then rinse your mouth with water or a gentle rinse to wash away debris.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✘ Using too much force: This can cut your gums and lead to bleeding or irritation. So be firm, but not rough.

✘ Skipping below the gum line: Curving the floss into the C shape is important to get a deeper clean.

✘ Reusing the same bit of floss: Using a fresh floss section for each tooth stops bacteria from moving from tooth to tooth.

✘ Rushing through it: Give it the time it needs. Proper flossing should take 2-3 minutes.

Flossing Alternatives

If you have trouble using traditional floss, or just don’t like it, here are some alternatives. Because the best choice of flossing method is the one you will use every day:

• Floss picks
  For many people, these are less hassle and pretty handy. They’re good for those with dexterity issues. To avoid transferring bacteria, use a new, clean floss pick for each flossing session, or at a minimum, rinse the pick thoroughly before cleaning between a new set of teeth.
• Water flossers
  A water flosser shoots a jet of water in between teeth. It’s great for mouths with braces, bridges, or tight spaces. Studies show they work well against plaque.
• Interdental brushes
  Small, specialized brushes designed to clean between your teeth, they come in a variety of sizes to fit different-sized gaps. They’re good for use with braces, implants, or for those prone to gum disease.
• Dental tape
  A ribbon-like floss that is ideal if the spaces between teeth are wider. They are also available in small sizes.
• Waxed Floss
  A traditional floss that’s better for tighter spaces because of the wax.

Tips to Make Flossing a Habit

✔ Pick a consistent time to floss
That can be in the morning, after lunch, or before bed. You can also do it before or after brushing. Basically, do it whenever you like, but aim for consistency. That’s the most important thing.

✔ Set reminders
Small nudges will help remind you to floss. That could be keeping the floss right next to your toothbrush, setting an alarm on your phone, or taping a note to your mirror.

✔ Be gentle
Start flossing softly if you’re sore or your gums bleed. It should subside in a few days.

✔ Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for guidance
They can show you proper technique with a mirror and can also recommend the best tools for your mouth.

Summary

Flossing correctly is simple, but impactful on your health. Start with about 18 inches of floss, wrap it around your fingers, and guide it gently between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Curve it into a C-shape against each tooth and slide it up and down below the gum line. Use a fresh section for every gap, and repeat across all teeth, including the back molars.

Alternatives like floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes work well if traditional floss isn’t comfortable to use. Avoid common mistakes: don’t snap the floss, don’t rush, and don’t reuse it. Floss daily, ideally when it fits your routine, and keep floss handy or in sight so you don’t forget.

Proper flossing not only removes hidden plaque and prevents cavities and gum irritation but also supports whole-body wellness. Plus, it may even lower stroke and heart disease risks over time.

Good Oral Hygiene Starts with Oral-B

Healthy gums are crucial to tooth and mouth health. In the event of gum disease (also known as gingivitis), the first line of defense is to see a dental professional. They can do a proper examination, determine the level of periodontal disease, and recommend treatments. But there are things you can do to help.

• When you brush with Oral-B iO electric toothbrushes, you can protect your gums and help prevent gum recession. Oral-B iO helps you avoid new tooth and gum issues—and if you have gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease), an Oral-B iO can help reverse it more effectively than a manual toothbrush.
• The right brush head also makes a big difference in effective cleaning without gum irritation. So, pair your toothbrush with the right toothbrush head, such as the Oral-B iO Gentle Care brush head, that contains dentist-inspired soft bristles and optimized bristle patterns that adapt to the curves of the teeth and gums and provide a gentle clean with maximum comfort. It provides effective cleaning without irritating sensitive areas and gums.
• Crest Toothpaste contains stannous fluoride which fights the plaque bacteria that cause gum disease. Pair that with an Oral-B iO electric toothbrush to help reduce bleeding and improve gum health by helping to reverse gingivitis.
• Mouthwash can be an important part of your daily oral health routine. The best mouth rinses, like Crest Mouthwash, are clinically proven to provide 24-hour protection against plaque and gingivitis with 2x daily use.
• Dental floss, used daily, helps prevent gingivitis as part of a complete dental plan. Look for a floss that can fit more easily into tight spaces, such as Glide Floss.

There is a connection between oral health and systemic health. Oral-B has created a line of products to help a variety of oral health conditions. Because, as a champion of good oral health for all, we know it has other positive health benefits. Research has associated oral health issues with whole body diseases, such as dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. That’s why, beyond helping with issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, our products can help prevent and reduce plaque bacteria before they spread to other parts of the body.