What Patients Want To Learn Regarding Tooth-Flossing

Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.

  • Guide: Keep a one- to two-inch length of floss between fingers. Use your index finger to guide the floss between the teeth.

  • Glide: Guide the floss gently using a zig-zag type of motion. Glide the floss around the side of the tooth, making a “C” type shape as you wrap the floss around the tooth.

  • Slide: Using your thumb as a guide, slide the floss up and down against the tooth surface, under the gum line, and along the back side of each tooth, removing plaque and debris.