How to Floss One of the major causes of tooth loss today is due to gum disease or periodontitis. Plaque and bacteria build up on and between the teeth; their presence serves as a constant irritation for the gums. Flossing helps to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth, areas inaccessible to a toothbrush. How To Floss: Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of your hands. Using your thumbs and forefingers gently pass the floss between your teeth. Never "snap" the floss; it can cut the gums. If done improperly, it can injure your gums. When the floss reaches the gums, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss while pulling the floss up through the contact (between the teeth). Repeat this method on all your teeth. Move to a clean area of floss after each tooth. 1
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