Dentists Give Their Top 5 Tips on How to Floss Properly

It’s no secret that most dentists recommend flossing regularly. (You most likely get a lecture about this twice a year during cleanings!) But there are a surprising number of things that you may not know about flossing—for example, the kind of floss that works best for your particular teeth. Below, we asked dentists what you need to know about flossing.

Flossing Cleans 40% of Your Teeth’s Surface

Brushing alone won’t get every nook and cranny. Your teeth have five surfaces, and brushing cleans three of those, explains Whitney White, doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) at Aspen Dental in Las Vegas. “When you skip flossing, you leave 40% of your tooth surfaces uncleaned, allowing plaque and bacteria to build up between your teeth,” she says. “Over time, this can lead to cavities and gum disease, so flossing is a must!”

There Are Two Flossing Techniques to Try

Michelle Jorgensen, doctor of dental surgery (DDS) in Utah, explains that there are two accepted ways to floss: the spool method, where you wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers and guide it with your thumbs and index fingers. “This allows you to use a clean section for each new space, which is key to preventing bacterial cross-contamination,” she says. And then there is also the loop method, where you tie the floss in a circle. 

According to Dr. White, both methods are effective and the choice comes down to preference and comfort. “I find that the spool method allows for more control of the floss and is typically easier for children or those with limited dexterity, as the floss doesn’t need constant adjustment,” she says.

You Must Make a “C” Shape When Flossing

Regardless of your chosen method, it’s important for the floss to form a “C” shape around each tooth, Dr. White says. Be sure to use plenty of floss—roughly 18 inches—and gently guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Once you reach the gum line, form a “C” shape around one side of the tooth and gently rub with an up-and-down motion, Dr. White explains.

One Floss Doesn’t Fit All 

You may find that some types of floss work better than others, depending on the spacing of your teeth, both Dr. White and Dr. Jorgensen say. Individuals with tightly-spaced teeth may find that thinner floss is more effective at loosening particles, Dr. White says. People with larger gaps or spaces may want to try thicker floss or interproximal flossers, she explains.

Have dental gear? “Mini floss brushes are great for patients with braces, wide gaps, or other orthodontic or dental devices as they are designed to clean areas that traditional toothbrushes cannot effectively reach,” Dr. White says.

You Can Floss Before or After Brushing

Growing up, you may have been taught to floss after brushing your teeth to catch any particles you might have missed. But technically, there isn’t a correct sequence. “You can floss before or after brushing as long as you are doing it thoroughly and are reaching areas that your toothbrush can’t,” Dr. White says. “Flossing beforehand, however, can help dislodge food particles and plaque, which some people prefer.”