Flossing

Flossing should be a regular part of your dental care routine. These tips will help you get the best results:

+ Most people find it easiest to floss in front of the mirror.

+ Break off about 30cm of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.

+ Wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the other hand. This finger will wind 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 gumline, 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.

If you’re having difficulty handling dental floss, ask your dentist about other options and how to use them properly.