How To Floss

Flossing

Studies say that only 50-80% of adults floss their teeth daily.  Getting into the habit of doing it regularly makes it pretty simple.  With about 18 inches of floss wrapped around your fingers, your thumb and index fingers can guide the floss between the teeth and wrap it around each tooth beyond where they contact.  It can be guided under the gum tissues and moved up and down.  When you move on the next tooth contact position, use a fresh part of the floss.

If your gums bleed initially, this usually stops after doing it for a few days.  If you floss before you brush, then the fluoride in your toothpaste will get in between your teeth and be able to penetrate and protect the already cleaned sides of the teeth.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309