Flossing

Prevention / Cleaning

Flossing is important as it removes plaque from between your teeth
Read below to ensure you are using the correct flossing technique

How to Floss

Break-off. Use about 18 inches of dental floss. This provides enough length to work with and allows you to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
Wrap. Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 5-10 cm in the centre.
Hold. Use your thumbs and index fingers to hold the floss taut. This gives you control and precision when manoeuvring the floss between your teeth.
Insert. Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping or forcing the floss, as this can potentially damage your gums.
Curve. Hug the floss around each tooth by curving it into a “C” shape.
Slide. Gently slide the floss up and down to clean the side of the tooth, making sure to go slightly below the gumline.
Repeat. In the same space, repeat the cleaning process on the adjacent tooth.
Fresh. Use a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth, or rinse under water.
Back teeth. Don't forget your back teeth - these are often the hardest areas to reach.
Dispose. Throw away the used floss and wash your hands.
Other interdental cleaning aids. Interdental brushes are often the most efficient way to remove plaque, particularly if they if you find it difficult to floss.

Additional Information

Personalised advice. Remember to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist for personalized advice on flossing techniques and suitable products for your individual needs.

FAQs

What type of floss should I get?

Choose waxed or unwaxed, depending on your preference.

What is Superfloss?

Superfloss is a special type of dental floss designed to clean around braces, bridges, implants and wide gaps in between the teeth.

Features of Superfloss:

Stiff End (Threader): A firm tip that helps guide the floss under dental appliances like braces or bridges.
Spongy Section: A thicker, soft part that cleans around appliances and in wider spaces.
Regular Floss Section: For standard flossing between teeth.

How to Use Superfloss:

Insert the stiff end under or around the dental appliance.
Use the spongy section to clean around the appliance or in wide spaces.
Floss normally with the regular section between teeth.

Superfloss is often pre-cut and packaged individually for convenience.

I find it difficult to hold floss, how can floss holders help?

Floss holders are shaped like a harp or bow and make flossing easier by holding a piece of dental floss taut between two arms, allowing for better control and access, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

There are two main types of floss holders:

Disposable. Quick and convenient to use, but they create more plastic waste.
Reusable. Allow you to use your preferred floss and adjust the length and tension for better control, though they take a little more time to set up.

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