When the floss touches your gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using proper techniques. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth. By incorporating the right flossing techniques into your daily oral care routine, you can ensure that you are effectively cleaning those hard-to-reach areas. Proper flossing technique; C-shape flossing. Currently, the AAPD recommends that parents. We believe that if a patient uses the "C-shape" flossing technique properly, they will not only be able to remove as much plaque from in between the teeth, but also remove plaque from those areas where the interproximal brush doesn't reach completely. What is the proper technique for flossing? Wrap about 18 inches of floss around your two middle fingers. Biofilm was mainly in the interproximal region, therefore I went over the flossing technique. Learn how to floss properly to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Clean: Once the floss is in place, contour it to one side of a tooth, creating a C shape that puts it flush against the tooth’s surface. Have kids floss your fingers to practice the technique. After inserting the floss between the teeth, just under the spot where they touch, you should pull the floss toward you to lightly wrap it around one of the teeth. Be careful not to snap or force the floss, as it can cause gum irritation or injury. Hold about two inches between your fingers. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times. Don't forget the backs of your last molars. Curve the floss into a C-shape as you slide it up and down along the side of each tooth. 6K views 10 years ago The proper technique to floss using the c-shaped method. Because floss thread is so thin, it can accidentally slip between your gums and teeth. To keep your mouth healthy, you need to practice c-shape flossing. When you allow food and drink particles to stew in your mouth. A common complaint people have about flossing it that it makes their gums bleed. (Be careful not to glide the floss into your gums. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Proper Flossing Technique. • Rub the floss gently up and down, keeping it pressed against the tooth. Position the dental floss around the side of the tooth in a ‘C’ shape. I personally use a water flosser in addition to regular flossing with the floss I mentioned and a Gum Flossmate to hold the floss for me. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, top and bottom. Reduces the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Use the see-saw motion to remove floss through contact. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. “Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. “C-shape” flossing is generally considered as the proper flossing technique. Children. The vertical lengths of the extruded cement showed a median of 231. This 3D medical animation features a technique to clean the teeth where brush cannot reach easily. The μ generated by performing C-shape flossing was measured, using the Capstan equation, at constant load (100 g). Gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can lead to tooth loss and other serious oral health issues. Flavour. A gentle, side-to-side sawing motion is good to use here, to help slip the floss gently between the teeth. Thread floss attachments and hold handle to cleanse interproximal spaces. During the ‘C’ flossing technique you break through the contact point between the teeth. Roll along. You also might like. With this simple yet highly effective flossing technique, you can eliminate the majority of plaque from your teeth and keep your smile bright and clean! Why is the. Flossing correctly involves wrapping the floss around the front of your tooth in a C shape. Never snap the floss into the gums. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Use about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning process. Glide: Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Form a “C”. Guide: Holding the floss tightly between your fingers, use your thumb to guide the string or tape between your upper teeth. By Priscilla Jordan. 5% fluoride varnish for root sensitivity and caries prevention. So mAke the floss a C shape and press it on the side of the tooth, wiggle it away from the gums to remove food and the sticky plaque that hides under your gums and on the edges of the teeth. But until your next appointment, here is the proper flossing technique most will recommend: Step 1: Using string floss or a floss toothpick, floss in between the teeth using a zig-zag motion. Then, slide the floss up and down the tooth. These tips will help you keep your teeth clean and happy. Step 2: Adjust the floss into a 'C' shape curve around each tooth and slide it up and down gently. 4. -Flossing is already difficult for most people, and having to do this when your mouth is full of toothpaste may only discourage patients from doing it even more due to how messy it can get. 2020;151[2]:154) there was no mention of flossing. Good flossing technique generally involves gently rubbing the floss strand in a C-shape against both sides of each tooth and at the gumline. This video demonstrates the progression of periodontal disease, including and periodontitis. You're Flossing Wrong. With the picks, often times patients will just go up and down. The goal with flossing is to get out everything between the teeth where the toothbrush has a hard time. First, break off 18 to 24 inches of floss. Remove the floss carefully, and repeat the process for each tooth. Flossing Technique. “When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Wrap each end around your middle fingers. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. 1. Dental Flossing in Calgary is encouraged to avoid plaque build-up that sticks to one's teeth and gums. You move it gently up and down to scrape along the full curve of the tooth. e. Expert tip: To ensure thorough cleaning, curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth, allowing it to reach below the gumline without catching on the braces. Flossing is the best way to prevent cavities in between your teeth. Curve the floss into a 'C' shape against the side of the tooth," Henville said. Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a "C" shape around the base of the tooth and gently under the gumline. Oral Health and Overall HealthBasic Steps. Good flossing technique generally involves gently rubbing the floss strand in a C-shape against. While there's no such thing as. . Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning each tooth. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. 8. Rationale. 4. Gently and slowly move the floss up and down the length of the tooth. brushing and flossing techniques is an essential part of maintaining good oral health and preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum and bone disease). This may also prevent patients from doing the "c-shape" flossing technique properly, since it is almost necessary to be looking at a mirror to be doing it. If you struggle to grip strand floss, you can purchase floss picks, which have both woven and unwoven material strung between two tines and attached to a handle. Explore Colgate. Once you have the floss in place, follow the same principles of proper flossing technique that you would use with standard floss . Another issue with daily flossing is that many people have a difficult time doing it properly. Never snap the floss into the gums. Angle the floss so it hugs the tooth in a “c” shape. They should be pink, firm, and free from bleeding. Your tooth should feel smooth. > One of the most famous techniques of moving the floss thread around the tooth is C-shaped flossing where the proximal surfaces of teeth are involved, and below will be the video to explain how to floss using the C-shaped technique. Flossing with the correct technique can prevent a lot of damage, as I discussed previously in this post. This finger takes up the floss as it is used. Floss both sides of each tooth. Request an Appointment (919) 847-3899 About Us. I would say try flossing afterwards using the c shape technique under the gum line which I linked earlier and see if it didn’t leave anything. 5Gently press the flossing string against the tooth and rub up and down. Proper flossing technique is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, and gently move it in between your teeth doing a back-and-forth motion. GumChucks two-handle system allows you to gently glide the floss in between your teeth to reach the “corners” of all your teeth – giving you a clean and. Flossing correctly isn't complicated, but there is more to it than meets the eye. When the proper technique is used, flossing can remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and below the gums. Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. You need your pointer fingers to control and manipulate the floss. com. 2. Roll along. A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, works by shooting out a thin, pressurized stream of water between teeth. Move floss up and down three to four strokes. Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images. 24% floss a few times a week. ADHA explains the proper flossing technique in four easy steps: Wind: Start by winding 18 inches of floss around either your middle finger or your index finger (of the hand you prefer) and a small amount onto the middle or index finger of the other hand. Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. The Right Way to Floss. Some may find a water flosser is easier to use than traditional floss. Okay the length you'll need to play with a bit to see how much you need this varies with length of fingers and dexterity. Here’s the technique dentists recommend: Wrap each end of a 15- to 18-inch length of floss around the ring or middle finger of both hands; the floss remaining between the fingers should be about. Move the toothbrush in a back and forth motion, and repeat for each tooth. Keep it simple. -Start with about 18 inches of floss. This will stop the floss springing free and hitting the gum which can be painful. Suitable for users with limited dexterity. Flossing teeth should start when your child has two teeth that touch. Request an Appointment (919) 847-3899 About Us. The Teflon-floss technique involves winding PTFE tape around two pieces of knotted floss and simultaneously drawing them in from both sides of the matrix, adapting the matrix to the base of the cavity 25 (Fig. Angle the floss so it hugs the tooth in a “c” shape. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth in a C-shape, making. Gently move the floss using a slow back-and-forth motion and up and down. ” In fact, flossing too hard could be damaging. The technique is mostly the same as with normal floss. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently past the tight contact point between the teeth. 8960 Fletcher Pkwy, Ste D, La Mesa, CA 91942. Use this step-by-step guide to help you get the hang of flossing: Start with about 18 inches of floss. Then pull the floss around one tooth in a C shape. Pull a 1 in (2. The reported number of individuals. Best Flossing Technique in 3 Steps. Loop method (also called the circle method) - Cut off a piece of floss that is approximately 18 inches long, and tie it securely in a circle. Floss holder/floss harp – pre cut floss is held between two arms. Repeat on the other side. Not flossing the sides of the tooth. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss. The proper brushing technique is to:Cut off at least 12 inches to give yourself enough room to comfortably move the floss around your teeth. Starting at the upper right part of your mouth, hold the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth. Pull the floss out and continue this process for every tooth until you are done. Then, floss up and down the side of the other tooth, repeating the C-shape to get just under the gum line. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times. Sure you floss everyday, BUT are you doing it correctly? Watch a tutorial on the C-shape flossing technique!Get 20% off your first order of Cocofloss using c. Hold about two inches between your fingers. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Guide the floss between your teeth, using a gentle rubbing motion. But still, let’s take a step-by-step look at this technique we dental professionals call, C-Shaped Flossing (*drum roll*…) Step One: We recommend using about an arms-length of floss (the distance between your hand and your shoulder). Step 4: Tie an overhand knot around the standing line (the main line). Materials and methods2. Modified flossing technique to include use of floss wand. Curving it into a C shape against a tooth when it reaches the gum line is essential to reach all parts of the tooth. Flossing: To get rid of food and plaque stuck between teeth, make sure to floss once a day. This makes flossing easier for. I find that nowadays those floss picks are made with plenty of slack so that they can be adapted to the sides of the teeth (the C-shape technique) and get subgingival easily. To avoid injuring your gums, never snap the floss between the teeth. Advanced Search. Insert the floss between your teeth. Flossing is recommended once a day, gently and in a "C" shape. (: Keep up your C-shaped flossing. Once between the teeth, curve the floss into a C-shape, pressed tight against one tooth. Once you place the floss between the teeth, you would wrap it around the tooth making a “C” shape. The correct technique for flossing is called “C-shaped flossing”. 5). 8410 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite A, Raleigh, NC 27615. Remove the plastic cap from the brush. Don’t forget to floss the back sides of your back teeth on both the left and right of the upper and lower teeth. To remove the floss, use the same back-and-forth motion to. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. With this simple yet highly effective flossing technique, you can eliminate the majority of plaque from your teeth and keep your smile bright and clean! Why is the. Have wholesome oral habits is important and simpler than you think. Skip Navigation. Then you ‘hug’ the back tooth creating a ‘C’ like shape and slowly shimmy the floss. Be careful not to let the floss snap or “pop” between teeth. never ____ the floss between teeth. Use about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning process. Following this method, the floss is gently passed between teeth and is curved into a C shape against the side of one tooth when the floss reaches the gum line 24. Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, and gently move it in between your teeth doing a back-and-forth motion. Interdental cleaning helps remove debris and interproximal dental plaque, the plaque that collects between two teeth; dental floss and other interdental cleaners help clean these hard-to-reach tooth surfaces and reduce the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay. Avoid rubbing the floss on your gum line, which can cause cuts or irritation. Then, show them how to go between their teeth. Flossing plays a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. Hold a short amount of floss between your thumb and fingers, and insert it between your teeth. Oral Hygiene Instruction. Master the Technique: Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. According to the Indian Dental Association, oral hygiene. Step 3 Floss both sides of every tooth. When done correctly, flossing removes bacteria in parts of your mouth that brushing can’t get to. The goal is to remove food and plaque that may be stuck on the tooth and in the sulcus. Now to answer your question, what CAN happen if you don't floss: more risk of gum disease, more risk of tooth decay. ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT. That’s where proper flossing techniques come in handy! We’re going to teach you about the proper technique, which is called c-shaped flossing. . 4Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of the tooth so that it wraps, or hugs, the tooth. Move to a new part of the floss as you move from tooth to tooth. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Contour floss around the side of the tooth, making a C shape with the. Make a "C" shape with the floss around each tooth. Wrap both sides of the floss around the tooth in front, so the floss is hugging the front of the tooth in a C shape. Guide the floss between your teeth, using a gentle rubbing motion. . Nylon. Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene, as it helps remove plaque and food particles from between our teeth and along the gumline. Go to a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles. Here’s how you do it: *Get about 18” of floss and wrap each end around the middle fingers of your hands. Dental Floss with Floss. Technique is everything! Ensure adequate plaque removal and proper gum stimulation with the C-shape flossing technique. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth and be sure. Oral Health and Overall HealthGingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease characterized by inflammation of the gums (gingivae). This technique is known as the “C technique” and helps remove plaque and food debris. Insert the floss between your teeth. COVID Protocols. Go to a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles. 3. When the floss reaches your gumline, curve it into a C-shape against a tooth until you feel resistance. Proper flossing technique: C shape flossing demo by RDH - YouTube. Adjusting dietary habits: Avoid sugary foods, soft drinks, and alcohol, especially before bed. Don’t forget to floss the back sides of your back teeth on both the left and right of the upper and lower teeth. 0 No views 1 minute ago Sure you floss everyday, BUT are you doing it correctly? Watch a tutorial on the C-shape flossing technique!C-shaped flossing Red nails 328 subscribers Subscribe 1. Currently, the AAPD recommends that parents. Be gentle when working against your gums; gently curve the floss into a C shape to cup the base of each tooth. 13. This bleeding should subside after the first few times you floss; however, it’s crucial to follow the proper technique to avoid cutting your gums. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, starting at your back. K I’ve googled C-shape flossing, have seen multiple videos but still wonder, can I not do that same exact thing with a floss pick. Hold a short amount of floss between your thumb and fingers, and insert it between your teeth. Move the floss slowly into the area between. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Repeat for the tooth on the other side. 1. Grasp the. Consistently brushing and flossing is the key to preventing major oral health problems, yet 50% of us don’t brush twice a day (and even fewer floss). 2. Gently slide the section of floss between your child's teeth. Flossing Technique. Use motion to get any gunk out of your. more. Home; About Us. Most people just push the floss in and out of the gaps between teeth , but this isn't as effective. Flossing with the correct technique can prevent a lot of damage, as I discussed previously in this post. With the floss gripped firmly between the thumb and index finger of each hand, move the floss gently between the teeth until it reaches the gum. Rinse, brush, or use mouthwash. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, top and bottom. a patient that hasn't had a flossing technique- what is helpful. Move the floss up and down to remove plaque from all areas of the tooth. Move floss up and down on mesial of tooth three to four times, then move above papilla, wrap in C-shape around distal of adjacent tooth. Strandburg explains. Additionally, due to their size, floss picks make it easier to work on teeth at the back of the mouth. You have to wrap the side surface of the tooth with the floss and use the strand as a tool to clean the entire area, not just between the teeth, Dr. Dental floss picks are a little different. 8410 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite A, Raleigh, NC 27615. Just like string floss, a water flosser cleans between your teeth. Suite 101 Burleson, Texas 76028. The flossing product you choose isn't as important as the act of using it. The patient identified for this report was chosen based on the severity of the indicating factors for periodontal disease. To avoid injuring your gums, never snap the floss between the teeth. It also makes it easier to pull the floss in a C-shape around the tooth. Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and gently move it up and down to remove plaque and debris. K I’ve googled C-shape flossing, have seen multiple videos but still wonder, can I not do that same exact thing with a floss pick. Technique is everything! Ensure adequate plaque removal and proper gum stimulation with the C. The type of toothbrush bristle most recommended is _____. Then make the C-shape around the adjacent tooth up and down to clean the. Be careful not. Just like flossing, I remind my patients to hug the floss side of the pick around the tooth in a “C” shape, moving it up and down against the side of the tooth and the gums. In fact, flossing straight up and down can cut and damage your gums. Do you floss every day? Do you know how to floss properly? If you’re not flossing your teeth, you can be missing out on cleaning 40% of the tooth’s surface. Sulcabrush. The only difference between the Adult and Kids Starter Packs are the handle colors, along with the collectible trading card being included in the Kids version only. Wrap the floss around the tooth into a "C" shape. Flossing “harder” won’t lead to better results. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue. Contour the floss around the tooth, making a “C” shape. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Repeat the procedure in the opposite direction i. The best way to floss is by using string floss. Hold the floss tightly around each tooth in a C shape; move the floss back and forth in a push-pull motion and up and down against the side of each tooth. Flossing plays a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. Learn step-by-step methods, essential tips, and the importance of flossing for preventing oral issues. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand; Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers; Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion; When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the toothHold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Take a generous piece of floss (12-18"). Ensure that the floss is. However, the authors of this paper have found that six different clamps can be used for 99% of cases. Wind it around your middle fingers, then take each index finger, about one inch apart, and use them to get the floss down between your teeth. The gums are red and swollen and bleed easily. Popping the flossing in and out. The second aim was to visualize the effect of the C-shape flossing technique on the dental floss before and after use. The Secret Behind Proper Flossing Techniques. com. Read here to floss well! (780) 705-9866; Services. Step-by-Step Flossing Technique. Pull 18 to 24 inches of dental floss from the floss dispenser. Not only does it prevent damage to the structures in the mouth, but the floss will also cover more surface area and glide much easier underneath the gum tissue. Flossing Technique: The C-Shape allows you to safely slide the floss down the sides of the tooth, cleaning the inside and corner edges, without causing trauma to gum tissue. What is the right technique for flossing?. Be Gentle. When you reach the gum line, curve floss against one tool in a c shape. 2020;151[2]:154) there was no mention of flossing. . dental floss, making it easy to floss in areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach. Show your child how to wrap the dental floss around their index finger to reduce. Step #1 – Slide your floss pick between your teeth. This will help ensure you clean both. Before and After; Dental FAQs; Financial Information; Refer A Friend; Your First VisitIf you aren’t flossing correctly, you might not be flossing effectively or you could even damage your soft gum tissues. July 25, 2023 August 24, 2023. Wrap it around your middle and pinch between your thumb and index finger Slide. 4) Guide the floss between your child’s teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Furthermore brushing your teeth, flossing a a key part from an process. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums as this can cause irritation and damage. Most. Learn how to maste your flossing technique in this article. Best Flossing Techniques. Step 1: Hold a short length of floss between the thumb and index finger, twining it around one finger at each end to gain better control. “Proper flossing involves wrapping the floss in a ‘c-shape,’ and covering as much surface area of the tooth as possible. Flossing Technique: The best way to floss is called the ‘C’ technique. ) As the floss reaches, curve it into a C-shape. You can’t just run the floss back and forth a few times and move on to the next two teeth. ) Flossing your teeth is an essential. Gently move the floss using a slow back-and-forth motion and up and down, including under the gumline. Flossing technique can be challenging! 🦷 These demos from a dentist wil…Hug the tooth with the floss in a C-shape by wrapping the floss around the tooth, flipping it. 5 cm) section taut. C. Flossing Techniques. It should curve at the base of the tooth to create a C or backward C shape on each side. Incorrect flossing can often be detected through observation of the gums and the technique. Step #4 – Restring (or rinse) your floss pick halfway through. the spool method 5th step curve the floss into a c shape against one tooth. For effective flossing, slide the floss from between the teeth and rub the sides of your teeth. Then you move the floss up and down, allowing it to touch that entire side of the tooth, removing any plaque from that side of the tooth. Don’t jerk or snap the floss. In a gentle motion, slide the floss between the tooth and the gum. Floss every single tooth, including the hard-to-reach ones in the back of your mouth. Gently slide the floss up and down the surface of the tooth making sure it goes slightly below the gum. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Flossing teeth should start when your child has two teeth that touch. A sulcabrush is a double-ended brush, with each end specifically designed for the outside surfaces and the inside (tongue side) surfaces. Glide floss gently between the teeth with a rubbing motion. 35K views 14 years ago. JADA. Creaven. Run the floss threader through your dental appliance and into a gap between your teeth. Do this a few times for each space. There are over 50 different shapes and sizes of clamps (Fig. I could make that c-shape against the gum with a pick no? I just find string floss kinda hard since my hand struggles a lot to fit in my mouth lolFlossing. Flossing reduces the risk of periodontitis. Floss holders are available to helpThis video demonstrates a flossing technique on 3 interproximal areas. Use Colgate's techniques and products for brushing and flossing teeth. Once between the teeth, curve the floss into a C-shape, pressed tight against one tooth. Contour floss around the side of the tooth, making a C shape with the. You should cover about half the diameter of the tooth from each angle. Proper Flossing Technique Use about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning process. Then make the C-shape around the adjacent tooth up and down to clean the. Do this to the front and back, on either side and. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Following these tips can make teaching your children proper flossing techniques easier than ever. (a): a piece of dental floss (20-30 cm) doubled-up into a U shape. The second aim was to visualize the effect of the C-shape flossing technique on the dental floss before and after use. unwaxed floss - thinner (helpful with tight contacts) but not recommended for ppl with rough edges in interproximal spaces - floss tends to squeak as it is being used (motivating factor)3Gently insert the floss in between the teeth. Curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth. Wrap the floss around one tooth in a "C" shape, pull down to the deepest part between the tooth and the surrounding gingival tissue, slide up and down, and clean the. by forming it in a “C” shape around the tooth they should lift up a few times, in order to drive plaque up and out of the gingival sulcus. What time of day should you floss? We've made it easy to review the fundamentals of a bright, healthy smile. Firmly, hold the floss between your forefingers and thumbs. Step #2 – Let the string curve around the tooth in a “c” shape. According to the Indian Dental Association, oral hygiene. Brush the inside surface of each tooth, using the same back and forth technique. Repeat steps three through five for all teeth. Flossing technique Start with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with. Removing little bits of gunk from your teeth is super important. Appropriate Flossing Technique. Image 1: Use an 18-inch piece of dental floss. By following these simple instructions, you will be able to effectively floss using a floss pick, promoting a healthier mouth and preventing dental problems. Step 3: Be sure to floss both sides of every tooth. 3. Keep it simple. 4) Areas to Reach. It’s not just about running a piece of. Start with a piece of floss from the length of your wrist to elbow. However, floss picks can be used. There is no need to rush when flossing your teeth. Move it up and down along the side of the tooth 8-10 times (not side to side). Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently past the tight contact point between the teeth. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand.