Use a Floss ThreaderWe would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. The goal with flossing is to get out everything between the teeth where the toothbrush has a hard time. It removes the plaque and bacteria your toothbrush can't quite reach. Be careful not to. An oral self-care aid designed with a plastic handle and two prongs forming a Y shape or C shape. Take a piece of floss that’s about 18 inches long. Using your thumbs and forefingers, guide the floss between two teeth. Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris. Use Colgate's techniques and products for brushing and flossing teeth. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue. Wrap the floss around one tooth in a "C" shape, pull down to the deepest part between the tooth and the surrounding gingival tissue, slide up and down, and clean the surface. Press the floss into your gumline, form it into a C-shape, and run it gently up and down the sides of both teeth. Using a gentle rubbing motion, move the floss in between your teeth. Hold a short amount of floss between your thumb and fingers, and insert it between your teeth. Then, slide the floss up and down the tooth and root surface, going just under the. Now. First, it dislodges trapped debris and food matter in difficult-to-reach areas. The technology, developed by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Pennsylvania, is poised to offer. Flossing is an important part of your daily oral. Removal. Don't reuse the floss, and discard it once done. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth. “Proper flossing involves wrapping the floss in a ‘c-shape,’ and covering as much surface area of the tooth as possible. Gently work the floss into the space between two teeth and press it against one of the teeth creating a C-shape, sliding it up and down a few times. Don’t forget to floss the back sides of your back teeth on both the left and right of the upper and lower teeth. Gently work the floss under the gum line and slide the floss up to the top of the tooth, going up and down several times. Dispense about one-and-a-half feet (18 inches) of floss. The U. HX3911/30. The researchers discovered that the flossing-before-brushing group had a significant reduction in plaque between the teeth and overall plaque levels compared to the brushing-flossing group. Credit: Minjun Oh/Penn Dental Medicine. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. S. The Element gives you this ability to “floss like a dentist” and hug each tooth with a C-shape as you floss. This Floss Turned Dental Hygiene Into My Favorite Form of Self-Care. Floss between each tooth as well as behind the back teeth. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the tooth and gum. The American Dental Association recommends curving the floss into a "C" shape against the side of every tooth and firmly, but carefully, motioning it up and down. Wrap each end around your middle fingers. But by brushing first you will remove a significant amount of the plaque build up first. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion, avoiding snapping the floss into the gums. Hold the floss firmly between your thumb and forefingers. These flossers can be easily carried around and are easy to use. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times. Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth and contains bacteria. If you’re using floss or a dental pick, form it into a c-shape along your tooth. Create flashcards for FREE and quiz yourself with an interactive flipper. Repeat this for all the spaces between your teeth. To remove the floss, use the same back-and-forth motion to. Slowly slide the floss between two teeth at an angle along the tooth surface. Smile Brush Floss - Flossing Tutorial. Somebody better tell Chonpe!Table 1: Comparison of Top 5 Floss Aids & Flossers (Digits and Numbers) Table 2: Comparison of Top 5 Floss Aids & Flossers (Features and Other Things) 1. 12-18 inches of floss wrap around middle fingers guide with index/ thumbs see saw to get between teeth make C shape rub on proximal surfaces. Home. • Gently, scrape the plaque off the side of the tooth and below the gum line, being careful not to cut or pinch the gums. Hold this one-inch of floss tight between your thumb and forefingers. Patent & Trademark Office yesterday issued Patent 10,206,765 on a redefinition of dental floss by the sole inventor Leonard Lorch . This helps remove any built-up plaque or trapped food particles. never ____ the floss between teeth. Look on for better oral health. Run the floss threader through your dental appliance and into a gap between your teeth. The small section of sting in floss picks is not well-suited for continued use on every tooth. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Which of the choices represents a developmental cause of orthodontic problems? A. Brush other arch in the same manner. Then move the floss gently in a back-and-forth and up-and-down motion. Once you get past where the tooth contacts each other, you want to do the C-shape flossing method. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth. Repeat for each tooth, including the outside of your back teeth. Flossing is a very effective method of cleaning in between the teeth, areas that toothbrushes don't often clean effectively. When done correctly, flossing removes bacteria in parts of your mouth that brushing can’t get to. In dental hygiene and dentistry, this is called "The C-Shape Method" of flossing. In fact, it can bruise or scratch the gums. Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth along these surfaces. M. Guide: Keep a one- to two-inch length of floss taut between fingers. Floss as far as you can go and remember to kind of curve the floss into a C shape for every proximal surface so you are actually scraping the plaque off the whole area rather than just dislodging food in the interproximal areas (a lot of people do this wrong). Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and rub against the side of the tooth, moving it away from the gum. Use Colgate's techniques and products for brushing and flossing teeth. Wiggle between teeth (don't pop it into the gums -- again, damaging), form a C shape around side of one tooth, slide up and down 10 times, C shape around side of other tooth, slide up and down 10 times. The floss has to be pulled into a “C” shape around the base of each tooth right at the gum line, and then pulled up against the tooth in a scraping motion — and that stroke should be repeated at least five times for each tooth. Curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Begin by taking about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with. Tip #3. Dental floss (or dental tape) and other interdental cleaners (e. Prevent or reduce sensitivity and discomfort of the prepared tooth and surrounding tissue. M. Once the floss is behind your braces, wrap either end of the strand around your index fingers. Hygiene Pearls for your Practice May 2015Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What are the two seals that Canadians look for in their products?, What is the purpose of these seals used in Canada, What is a cosmetic mouthrinse example and more. It should curve at the base of the tooth to create a C or backward C shape on each side. Curve the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth, ensuring that you are getting below the gumline; also, be sure that you clean both the front and back sides of the tooth. Interdental cleaning helps remove debris and interproximal dental plaque, the plaque that collects between two teeth; dental floss and other interdental cleaners help clean these hard-to-reach tooth surfaces and reduce the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay. flossing & accessories. B. #ExamSeries, #flossing ,#correctmethodOnce the floss is in place, wrap it in a “C” shape against the side of your crown and implant, gently rubbing up and down its side several times. Alternatively, they concluded that dental picks made of synthetic materials can reduce plaque build-up, but not gingivitis symptoms. Hold the floss tightly around each tooth in a C shape; move the floss back and forth in a push-pull motion and up and down against the side of each tooth. Guide: Holding the floss tightly between your fingers, use your thumb to guide the string or tape between your upper teeth. Flossing correctly involves wrapping the floss around the front of your tooth in a C shape. • Hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers and gen-tly insert it between the teeth. Use motion to get any gunk out of your. Instead, work the floss in a methodical motion, starting in one place and finishing in. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Explore Colgate. Look on for better oral health. Second, it removes plaque (also known as biofilm) from the sides of your teeth. Flossing is tedious but vital to your teeth. 99/Count)When the floss reaches the tip of the triangular gum flap, curve the floss into a C Shape against one of the teeth. 3. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times. Floss in a “C” shape so you rub the sides of. Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum. Skip Navigation. Go to a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles. Entries become the property of Dotdash Media Inc. Go below the gum line, bending it to form a C on the side of each tooth. Let's floss some teeth! I'm a dental hygienist and I wasn't flossing correctly until I learned how to PROPERLY floss in dental hygiene school - so I'd like. Learning to floss properly might take some time and patience. Move to a new part of the floss as you move from tooth to tooth. Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a "C" shape around the base of the tooth and gently under the gumline. To get each tooth completely clean, wrap its sides entirely with floss. Floss Using The C-Shaped Method. "How To Use The Miracle Smile Flosser. Employ a "C" shape motion, moving it up and down along your teeth to effectively remove plaque and debris. Curving should be done once the floss reaches the gum line. Floss is lightly wound and spaced around the middle finger of each hand. Also remember there are two surfaces per area you stick your floss. Gently slide the floss up and down between your tooth and your gums. Use the “C-shape” method. Floaters, C shaped flashes Kristina55. Flossing is a method of removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums. Popping the flossing in and out. The inventor of dental floss, Levi Parmly (1790–1859), was the first to express concern about the cleaning of approximal surfaces []. Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth. This method is the accepted method of flossing because it removes the most plaque and debris from between the teeth and under the gumline. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like who is the Fones method of brushing used for, what angle are the bristle tips place at against the tooth surface in the fones method?, what motion do you brush in while using the fones method? and more. Use of an interdental cleaner (like floss) is an essential part of taking care. Dental floss. Creaven. It should curve at the base of the tooth to create a C or backward C shape on each side. What food choice effects your teeth. "It's common that people wrap the floss on their index. Then pull the floss around one tooth in a C shape. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth. Crowns) • Plaque accumulation contributes to: -Unpleasant esthetic appearance -Bad breath -Calculus formation -Breakdown of enamel -Cavity formation -Tooth loss -Gum diseaseOntel Miracle Smile Water Flosser for Teeth & Gum Health, Unique H-Shaped Flossing Head & 4 Water Jets, Cordless Water Flosser Features 360° Cleaning & 3 Pressure Modes, USB Rechargeable Dental Floss. This movement should be like a "C" shape, rather than quickly snapping the floss between each tooth, says Dr. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth. Holding the floss tightly against the tooth, scrape up and down five or six times along the side of the tooth. Call today to make an appointment!. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. You have to wrap the side surface of the tooth with the floss and use the strand as a tool to clean the entire area, not just between the teeth, Dr. Use a clean section of floss as needed and take up used floss by winding. With Quad Stream technology. Curve the floss into a 'C' shape against the side of the tooth," Henville said. floss around the side of the tooth in a “C” shape. Finish with tongue biofilm removal. I floss once a nice, and I do use the c shape method. Nearly two years of using this coconut-oil floss and my dentist called my mouth "perfect. What is C SHape Flossing? Did you know that flossing can actually damage your gums? THIS IS NOT PERMISSION TO NOT FLOSS YOUR TEETH. You want to wrap the strand of floss in a “C” shape and gently hug the side of the tooth, rubbing it up and down several times as well as cleaning just below the edges of your gums. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Flossing Technique. You want to feel the floss go gently below the gum line but don't force it. 2 Flossing tutorial - C-Shape flossing technique 3. Move to a new part of the floss as you move from tooth to tooth. . Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like microbial plaque, probing depth, clinical attachment loss and more. This will allow the floss to gently enter the space between your gums and each tooth. Move the floss up and down against the surface of the side of the tooth (both the right and left sides) 2 to 3 times, as if wrapping the floss around the tooth. Although teeth able be cleaned by brushing, it is not effective in reaching the adjacent tooth surfaces - slipping with dental floss can do this successfully. Removing plaque is crucial to your oral health, as it contributes to many dental problems if left unchecked. They also work better for patients with compromised dexterity. The flossing product you choose isn't as important as the act of using it. floss holders. Dr. Sometimes the floss will snap between teeth — try not to let it. Step 5: Before flossing the next tooth, wind the floss more tightly in one hand while loosening it in the other, so you approach the next tooth with a fresh section of floss. Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. Start by wrapping the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and gently moving it up and down. Clean between your teeth once a day using floss, a flossing device, or an interdental brush. This should form a C shape with the floss. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. A. Sure you can try to push the floss of the pick to adapt it, but in my experience, it. It is. Floss pick. 29. To use dental floss picks, move the flosser handle so the piece of floss curves around the tooth in a "C" shape. Repeat with the rest of your teeth, making sure to slide against all tooth. Do you hate flossing your teeth? Have you ever wondered if there's an alternative to flossing? Watch this video to learn more about the amazing benefits of. Then push the floss up and down making. Flossing involves threading a thin string of nylon or Teflon between teeth in a C-shape pattern to remove plaque. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about any debris, bacteria or plaque going unaddressed. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Once the floss is on the gum line, form a C shape that curves around one tooth. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Insert the floss between your teeth. Curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape. “Use a long piece—about 18 inches—and bring the floss down in between the teeth, make a C shape with the floss, and hug each tooth,” Rolle says. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth. Flossing Technique Start with a piece of floss from the length of your wrist to elbow. “Make a C-shape to hug the side of the tooth, and move floss up and down five times, going slightly below the gums. C-shaped flossing increases the amount. 99K views 15 years ago. In an ideal world, you’d floss every time you brush your teeth, which would be at least twice a day—morning and night—and maybe a third if you brush after lunch, too, Lindsay Marshall, D. Plaque contains cavity-causing bacteria that feed on leftover food in your mouth. It's no secret that. Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EDT, on 3/18/2023. Flossing Instructions: Gently s. Use a water flosser, like this Waterpik, if string floss is too difficult for you to use. An amateur with closely spaced teeth and relatively poor. Create. • Use about 18 inches of floss wound around one of your middle fingers, with the rest wound around the opposite middle finger. Visit Colgate now. The technique is mostly the same as with normal floss. See full list on healthline. Move the floss carefully up and down between each tooth, and make a C-shape with the floss as you reach the gum line. Repeat the motion on the opposite tooth surface, reversing the C-shape. Slide it gently into the space between the gum and the tooth. This method is the accepted method of flossing because it removes the most plaque and debris from between the teeth and under the gumline. 6) Holding the floss tightly against the tooth, gently rub the floss up and down. Slide: Next, slide the floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line — don’t forget the back! Unroll a fresh section of floss from your fingers as you move. Be careful not to let the floss snap or “pop” between teeth. Lifted slightly and wrapped the floss in the opposite direction in a Cshape over the adjacent tooth. Then move the floss gently in a back and forth and up and down motion. Floss holder/floss harp – pre cut floss is held between two arms. Wrap each end around your middle fingers. Moved the floss gently up and down the surface of the tooth to remove the plaque. Cleaning between your teeth may help p. Repeat on the other side. Philadelphia 76ers Premier League UFC Television The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Bachelor Sister Wives 90 Day Fiance Wife Swap The Amazing Race Australia Married at First Sight The Real Housewives of Dallas My 600-lb Life Last Week Tonight with John. A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, works by shooting out a thin, pressurized stream of water between teeth. 5. In any event, daily flossing is an excellent and proven method for complementing your brushing routine and helping to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems later in life. Flossing: step 4. Pull an 18- to 24-inch piece of waxed floss through the eye of the floss threader. - 5:00 p. You’re not flossing the whole tooth. SMARTLIFECO has introduced a biodegradable floss pick, which is vegan-friendly and features no plastic of any kind. B. Curved the floss in a C-shape to wrap it around the tooth and allow access into the sulcus area. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums. Gently rub the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion, following the shape of the tooth. how many time should you rub the floss on each surface. Protect the margins of the preparation. Use about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning process. Choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush and their regular replacement is important. Sure you floss everyday, BUT are you doing it correctly? Watch a tutorial on the C-shape flossing technique!We of course prefer traditional floss, but in a pinch a floss pick works, as long as you're using them correctly. Because they do not have bristles on them, you’re only relying on a slight scraping motion to get rid of bacteria, which might not be. Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a "C" shape around the base of the tooth and gently under the gumline. GumChucks two-handle system allows you to gently glide the floss in between your teeth to reach the “corners” of all your teeth – giving you a clean and healthy smile. Flossing is a key for oral health, but if you’re not following proper technique you could be doing more harm than good. Floss gently between your teeth, reaching the gum line. Cut a piece of floss that’s 18-24 inches long. The “C” Shape Flossing Technique. Make sure to work slowly using a gentle hand, so as not to damage your gums. Hold about two inches between your fingers. . 5. Curve the floss into a 'C' shape against the side of the tooth," Henville said. gently curve the floss around your gums (like a C shape) to adequately get between your teeth and gums. He explained that the cleaning device should be “passed through the. • Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of the tooth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Benefits of using. Do expect soreness. And my teeth and breath literally feel cleaner and fresher after flossing. Insert the floss or tape between the next two teeth and clean the surfaces in the same way. long between the hands. First, get yourself a long enough piece of floss (the ADA recommends about an 18-inch piece). A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. This video demonstrates a flossing technique on 3 interproximal areas in a patient's mouth. Next, slide the string or tape up and down against the tooth and beneath the gum line. A. They have rounded edges everywhere. What time of day should you floss? We've made it easy to review the fundamentals of a bright, healthy smile. Curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape. You’ll want to contour the floss around the tooth in a C shape and slide it up. You should be mindful of cleaning the back of each tooth as well. Prevent shifting of adjacent or opposing teeth. If you floss without wrapping the floss around every tooth in a “C” shape to hug the tooth, you are not flossing thoroughly. Step 3 Floss both sides of every tooth. Push the floss past the contacts of your teeth (you should feel a snap) and then rub the floss up and down against the side surface of the tooth in the front and back. 68 views, 0 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Varsity Dental Group: Flossing Tip - “C” shape flossing In order to effectively clean between your teeth you must “hug”. Flossing is very important if you want to have fresh breath, and healthy gums. Step 4: Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid reinserting food and biofilm. The goal is to remove food and plaque that may be stuck on the tooth and in the sulcus. Step #2 – Let the string curve around the tooth in a “c” shape. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when inserting the floss between the child's teeth. Step 3: Be sure to floss both sides of every tooth. Do this for both sides. The floss is held with the index finger and thumb of each hand by grasping a section three-quarters to 1 in. Curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth. Insert the floss or tape between the next two teeth and clean the surfaces in the same way. Step 6: “C” wrap the floss to curve around the shape of each tooth. This is the end that needs to be introduced between the teeth and underneath the replacement tooth. Popping the flossing in and out. . flossing every day. Step 3 Be sure to floss both sides of every tooth. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Tighten your string and position it: "Wrap the floss taut with your thumbs and index fingers, place the dental floss in between two teeth," says Dr. Lowenberg. Use a new section of floss each time you move to a new space between teeth. floss cleft A cleft in the gingival margin usually at a mesial or distal line angle of a tooth where dental floss was repeatedly applied incorrectly, The lining of the cleft can be. This bleeding should go away as you continue to floss. Pre-threaded flossers. Gently and repeatedly move floss side to side and up and down to remove the bacterial film from the tooth's surface and around the gumline. Thread the floss on a floss threader. Gently move the floss back and forward and slowly guide it towards the gum line. Brush and floss daily, disclose periodically, fluoride, good nutrition and exercise, regular dental visits. The American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association recommend flossing. Dental Floss and Flossing Methods. When using a flosser, follow the same basic technique as when using regular floss. Place the floss near the contact area and slowly move downwards in the sulcus area, and again come up with the. Study Chapter 1 flashcards. Fones, Soft/extra soft and more. This technique is called Dental flossing and this helps in. String Floss. Be sure to use a new section of floss for each tooth. " However, if using regular floss is challenging (perhaps it hurts your finger tips), he also says that the curved shape floss picks are just as effective as regular flossing because "they're designed to get to all areas of the mouth. Use a new section of floss and repeat on the other sides of the rest of the teeth. 8. One way to accomplish this is by forming the flexible material into a C-shape and sliding it up and down. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently past the tight contact point between the teeth. This study was small and it's hard to. With the help of the index finger and thumb of each hand, floss is inserted in between teeth. Slide the floss gently up and down the sides of each tooth, making a sideways ‘C’ shape between two teeth. Wrap both sides of the floss around the tooth in front, so the floss is hugging the front of the tooth in a C shape. It’s a noticeable difference once you get the habit of it and you’ll lose your mind if you don’t floss cause you’ll miss the freshness. Repeat this process until you have flossed between all of your teeth. Use about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning process. “Proper flossing involves wrapping the floss in a ‘c-shape,’ and covering as much surface area of the tooth as possible. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times. Curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape. What motion is used when flossing? C-shape. 10. When you get to the gum line form a C-shape and slide the floss down. This helps you scrape the most plaque and buildup stuck to your tooth so you can get them clean. S. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. Move floss up and down three to four strokes. Across the board, the dentists we spoke with all speak highly of the floss pick. > One of the most famous techniques of moving the floss thread around the tooth is C-shaped flossing where the proximal surfaces of teeth are involved, and below will be the video to explain how to floss using the C-shaped technique. wrap it around the side of one tooth and hug it in a “C” shape. The technique is mostly the same as with normal floss. Press the floss against one side of the tooth in a “C” shape and then the other and move the floss up and down the tooth several. superfloss floss threaderNew DenTek® Comfort Clean Silk Floss Picks are specially designed for Tight Teeth and Sensitive Gums. Don't forget the backs of your last molars. When using a flosser, follow the same basic technique as when using regular floss. Indication for provisional coverage for a crown or fixed bridge. Flossing. Bring the floss gently down to where it stops while applying pressure towards the tooth. Use a new section of floss each time you move to a new tooth. Gently work the floss under the gum line and slide the floss up to the top of the tooth, going up and down several times. String floss cleans more effectively than picks because you can move it to make that all-important “C” shape that gets up close to the gum line. Gently slide it down between your child's teeth with your thumb and index fingers holding the floss taut. Be gentle when flossing below the gum line because most plaque and tartar buildup here. Wind it around your middle fingers, then take each index finger, about one inch. Unroll a new section of floss as your move from tooth to tooth. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Then slide the floss gently into the space between the tooth and the gum until you feel resistance. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, starting at your back molars and working your way forward. - 5:00 p. V-shaped spillway space next to the contact area of adjacent teeth, narrowest at the contact and widening toward the facial, lingual, and occlusal contacts. Shop today & collect Advantage Card Points for every pound you spend. Don’t forget the backs of your last molars. 🦷🪥Ever wondered how people floss with a bridge and veneers? Flossing implants and crowns is the same as flossing around anatomical teeth. Most people think they're flossing correctly, but they've been doing it wrong their whole life. Move floss up and down on mesial of tooth three to four times, then move above papilla, wrap in C-shape around distal of adjacent tooth. Use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth. Wrap floss around your index and middle fingers, leaving about five centimetres between your hands and insert between your teeth. This video demonstrates a flossing technique on 3 interproximal areas in a patient's mouth. Starting with about 45cm of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving about 3cm of floss to work with. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands. Flossing: step 2. After placing the dental floss in between the teeth, make sure to glide it gently up and down the side of each tooth. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gum line forming a "C" on the side of the tooth. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.