by Karen Schroeder Kassel, MS, RD, MEd
You are probably familiar with dental floss. It is used to remove plaque from between teeth and at the gumline. Plaque is a sticky material containing germs that accumulates on teeth and can lead to gum disease (periodontal disease), and in extreme cases, permanent tooth loss.
The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush twice a day and floss your teeth at least once a day. While the toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth, dental floss cleans in between them.
The Academy of General Dentistry recommends flossing at least once a day, for 2-3 minutes. Using dental floss does more than clean between your teeth.
Flossing helps you in different ways. You may not be aware of them, but in addition to cleaning between your teeth, flossing also:
Flossing your teeth is a simple process that takes very little time. Doing it correctly will make it even easier.
Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to floss your teeth quickly and without thinking about it. Here are some steps to help you along:
If you still have trouble, there are other ways to get your daily flossing.
A pre-threaded flosser or floss holder may be helpful for some people, including:
Flossing your teeth every day is the most important thing you can do to protect against plaque. Invest in the 2-3 minutes a day. It will be well worth your time.
ADHA—American Dental Hygienists' Association
http://www.adha.org
Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association
http://www.mouthhealthy.org
Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca
Dental Hygiene Canada
http://www.dentalhygienecanada.ca
Flossing. Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association website. Available at:
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Accessed August 16, 2016.
Proper flossing. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 16, 2016.
Should I floss? Know Your Teeth—Academy of General Dentistry website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 16, 2016.
Last reviewed August 2016 by Michael Woods, MD