Still not flossing?
We know you hate it, but flossing really does preserve the health and aesthetics of your smile.
Flossing tips:
Perfect your flossing technique. Use a piece of floss 15 to 18 inches long, slide it between the teeth, wrap it around each tooth in the shape of a “C,” and polish with an up and down motion.
Don’t worry about a little blood. Bleeding means the gums are inflamed because plaque has built up and needs to be cleaned away. Don’t let that deter you. Bleeding after a few days, however, could be a sign of periodontal disease. Talk to your dentist.
Get a floss holder. If you lack the hand dexterity to floss, try soft wooden plaque removers, which look similar to toothpicks, or a two-pronged plastic floss holder. Both allow you to clean between teeth with one hand.
