What is the correct way to floss your teeth?

Flossing is good and doing it the right way is even better. To floss properly, start by breaking off about 18 inches of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently insert it between your teeth. Curve the floss...

How often should I floss my teeth?

The British Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day. Regular flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Can I use alternatives to traditional dental floss?

Yes, there are several alternatives to traditional dental floss, including floss picks, water flossers, and interdental brushes. These options can be especially helpful for people with braces, dental work, or difficulty handling regular floss. However, it's important to find a method that works best for you. That ups the odds that you’ll include it as part of your daily oral...

Why do my gums bleed when I floss?

Gums may bleed when you first start flossing regularly, especially if you haven’t been flossing consistently. This bleeding is often due to inflammation caused by plaque buildup. With consistent flossing and good oral hygiene, the bleeding should go down over time. Of course, if bleeding persists, consult with your dentist or dental hygienist. It could be a sign of gum...

How to Floss Properly: Step-By-Step Guide to Flossing Teeth

WHY ORAL-B - FLOSS

How to Floss Properly: Step-By-Step Guide to Flossing Teeth

Last updated 06/25

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Aim to floss at least once a day.
Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most around your middle fingers, and using a clean section for each gap.
Gently glide floss in a C-shape along each tooth to reach just below the gumline
Be gentle to prevent gums from bleeding, so avoid snapping or sawing.
If flossing by hand is tricky, there are useful alternatives, especially floss picks, water flossers, and interdental brushes.
Regular flossing can help lower plaque, prevent cavities/gum inflammation, and may even reduce stroke and heart risk.

Why Flossing Matters

Brushing removes plaque and grime from the surfaces of your teeth, but it only cleans about 65% of your tooth surfaces. Flossing tackles the 35% brushing misses, especially between teeth and under the gumline. That matters because plaque buildup in these spots can lead to cavities, gum irritation, and tartar hardening that requires a dentist’s or dental hygienist’s tools to remove. But dental research shows flossing isn’t just about oral health. Everyday oral inflammation may contribute to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even stroke. Preliminary research presented at an American Heart Association conference in early 2024 involving over 6,000 people found an association between flossing at least once a week and a lower risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation. Another study highlights that good oral hygiene, which helps manage the oral microbiome, is an important factor in supporting overall health and wellness, which contributes to longevity. So, flossing regularly is more than keeping a bright smile—it’s choosing long-term wellness.

There are many benefits, including some you might not have considered:

Fewer cavities by removing plaque where toothbrushes miss
Healthier gums reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
Better breath through cleaning away trapped food and bacteria
Whole body impact because flossing is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
Lower dentist bills since there are fewer big problems that need addressing

Woman flossing her top front teeth with string floss

Step-By-Step: How to Floss Properly

Follow these steps to floss your teeth correctly and thoroughly:

Step 1: Cut About 18 Inches of Floss

That might sound like a lot, but it gives you enough length to use a clean section between each tooth.

Step 2: Wrap the Floss Around Your Fingers

Wrap most of the floss around your middle finger in one hand, and the rest around your middle finger in the other hand. Leave about 1–2 inches of floss to work with between your fingers. Hold by your thumbs and index fingers for control.

Step 3: Gently Slide the Floss Between Your Teeth

Carefully insert the floss between two teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Don’t snap or force it—gentle pressure is key to avoid hurting your gums or causing them to bleed.

Step 4: Curve it into a “C” Shape Around Each Tooth

Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a “C” shape around one tooth. Gently slide it up and down along the side of the tooth, reaching just below the gumline.

Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side

Still using the same gap, curve the floss around the opposite tooth and repeat the up-and-down motion.

Step 6: Move to a Clean Section of Floss

Unwind a little fresh floss from one finger and rewind the used floss onto the other. This keeps you from spreading plaque and bacteria from one area to another.

Step 7: Continue for All Your Teeth

Don’t forget the back sides of your last molars. They’re often missed but still need attention.

Step 8: Dispose and Rinse

Throw away the used floss; don’t save and reuse it. Then rinse your mouth with water or a gentle rinse to wash away debris.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✘ Using too much force: This can cut your gums and lead to bleeding or irritation. So be firm, but not rough.

✘ Skipping below the gumline: Curving the floss into the C shape is important to get a deeper clean.

✘ Reusing the same bit of floss: Using a fresh floss section for each tooth stops bacteria from moving from tooth to tooth.

✘ Rushing through it: Give it the time it needs. Proper flossing should take 2-3 minutes.

Close-up of a person flossing with a small interdental brush

Flossing Alternatives

If you have trouble using traditional floss, or just don’t like it, here are some alternatives. Because the best choice of flossing method is the one you will use every day:

Floss picks

For many people, these are less hassle and pretty handy. They’re good for those with dexterity issues. To avoid transferring bacteria, use a new, clean floss pick for each flossing session, or at a minimum, rinse the pick thoroughly before cleaning between a new set of teeth.

Water flossers

A water flosser shoots a jet of water in between teeth. It’s great for mouths with braces, bridges, or tight spaces. Studies show they work well against plaque.

Interdental brushes

Small, specialised brushes designed to clean between your teeth, they come in a variety of sizes to fit different-sized gaps. They’re good for use with braces, implants, or for those prone to gum disease.

Dental tape

A ribbon-like floss that is ideal if the spaces between teeth are wider. They are also available in small sizes.

Waxed Floss

A traditional floss that’s better for tighter spaces because of the wax.

Tips to Make Flossing a Habit

✔ Pick a consistent time to floss

That can be in the morning, after lunch, or before bed. You can also do it before or after brushing. Basically, do it whenever you like, but aim for consistency. That’s the most important thing.

✔ Set reminders

Small nudges will help remind you to floss. That could be keeping the floss right next to your toothbrush, setting an alarm on your phone, or taping a note to your mirror.

✔ Be gentle

Start flossing softly if you’re sore or your gums bleed. It should subside in a few days.

✔ Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for guidance

They can show you proper technique with a mirror and can also recommend the best tools for your mouth.

Summary

Flossing correctly is simple, but impactful on your health. Start with about 18 inches of floss, wrap it around your fingers, and guide it gently between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Curve it into a C-shape against each tooth and slide it up and down below the gumline. Use a fresh section for every gap, and repeat across all teeth, including the back molars.

Alternatives like floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes work well if traditional floss isn’t comfortable to use. Avoid common mistakes: don’t snap the floss, don’t rush, and don’t reuse it. Floss daily, ideally when it fits your routine, and keep floss handy or in sight so you don’t forget.

Proper flossing not only removes hidden plaque and prevents cavities and gum irritation but also supports whole-body wellness. Plus, it may even lower stroke and heart disease risks over time.

Good Oral Hygiene Starts with Oral-B

Keep your teeth clean and help reduce the risk of oral health issues such as cavities, staining, and bad breath. Plaque forms on teeth as a sticky film. Additionally, plaque contains substances that feed on sugar from food and drinks. As these substances metabolize sugar, they release acids that can erode tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities and other problems. But help is just a toothbrush away. Here are a few suggestions to help establish a regular, effective routine.

By maintaining a complete oral care routine that consists of an electric toothbrush, targeted flossing, and fluoride toothpaste, you can help support a clean, strong smile.

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Oral-B iO3 Electric Toothbrush + Travel Case

FAQs

Flossing is good and doing it the right way is even better. To floss properly, start by breaking off about 18 inches of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently insert it between your teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it up and down, reaching below the gumline. Using a longer string of floss means you can use a fresh section for each tooth.
The British Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day. Regular flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Yes, there are several alternatives to traditional dental floss, including floss picks, water flossers, and interdental brushes. These options can be especially helpful for people with braces, dental work, or difficulty handling regular floss. However, it's important to find a method that works best for you. That ups the odds that you’ll include it as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Gums may bleed when you first start flossing regularly, especially if you haven’t been flossing consistently. This bleeding is often due to inflammation caused by plaque buildup. With consistent flossing and good oral hygiene, the bleeding should go down over time. Of course, if bleeding persists, consult with your dentist or dental hygienist. It could be a sign of gum disease.

Sources

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