How to Floss Correctly The Dentist Approved Guide
Most Canadians brush well, but flossing often feels confusing or painful. The truth is simple: the best flossing routine is the one that fits your mouth and your life. With a few dentist-approved moves and the right tools, you can stop bleeding, remove plaque where brushes can’t reach, and prevent cavities between teeth.
What is the correct way to floss?
Use about 45 cm of floss. Wrap most around one finger, a little around the other. Gently slide between teeth. Curve into a C around each tooth. Glide under the gumline. Move to a clean section for every space. Do this daily.
A quick story that rings true
Sarah, a 34-year-old in Toronto, brushed twice a day but dreaded flossing. Her gums bled, so she stopped. At her checkup, her hygienist didn’t just say ‘floss more’. They built a plan for Sarah’s tight contacts and sensitive gums: waxed floss, a slower C-shape glide, and a nightly reminder tied to skincare. Three months later, bleeding was gone and her gums looked firm and pink.
Why personalization beats one-size-fits-all
Every mouth is different. Tight teeth, old fillings, braces, bridges, gum recession, and hand dexterity all change what works best. A dentist or hygienist can match the technique and tools to your anatomy and comfort so flossing feels doable, not dreadful.
Step-by-step flossing that dentists teach
1) Take about 45 cm of floss. Wrap most around your middle finger on one hand, the rest around the other.
2) Pinch a short section tight between thumbs and index fingers. Gently guide the floss past the contact. If it snaps, switch to waxed or tape-style floss.
3) Hug one tooth in a C shape. Slide up and down, going just under the gumline. Do not saw back and forth at the gumline.
4) Repeat on the neighbouring tooth surface in that same space.
5) Use a fresh section of floss for each space. Don’t forget the back of the last molars.
6) Rinse with water or mouthwash when you’re done.
Pick the right tool for your mouth
• Tight contacts: try waxed floss or wider tape-style floss for better glide.
• Braces, bridges, or implants: use floss threaders or super floss to get under wires or around bridgework.
• Larger spaces or black triangles: interdental brushes can be easier and very effective.
• Sore fingers, limited dexterity, or you just hate string: a water flosser might help you stay consistent. Learn more about the benefits of a water stream cleaner in why water flossers are gaining popularity.
Bleeding and sensitivity: what’s normal and what’s not
New flossers often see a little bleeding in the first week. That’s usually a sign your gums are inflamed and need cleaning, not a reason to stop. Go gently, stay consistent, and the bleeding often fades in a few days. If bleeding is heavy, continues after a week, or comes with pain, swelling, or bad breath, book a checkup to rule out gum disease or other issues.
Why flossing matters for cavities and gum health
Toothbrush bristles don’t reach the tight spaces between teeth or under the gumline. Plaque left there can harden into tartar, irritate gums, and cause cavities between teeth. Regular interdental cleaning reduces the risk of gum disease and decay and keeps breath fresher. For a deeper dive into the habit and its payoff, see why regular flossing matters.
Cleaning between your teeth is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine.
— American Dental Association (ADA)
Make the habit stick with simple cues
• Tie flossing to a routine you never miss (after dinner dishes, evening skincare, or your favourite show).
• Keep floss or flossers where you’ll see them (bathroom counter, bedside, TV remote tray).
• Set a daily reminder on your phone. Many dental apps include timers and streak tracking.
• Start small: floss the front six teeth each night for a week, then add more until you’re doing the full mouth.
Working with your dental team
Your hygienist can show you a gentle technique that matches your teeth and gums, check where plaque hides, and recommend tools you’ll actually use. They may suggest flossing before brushing at night so your toothpaste fluoride reaches clean tooth surfaces between teeth. They can also adjust your plan if you have braces, a new crown, or sensitive areas.
When string isn’t the only answer
Interdental brushes are great for slightly wider gaps or recession. Water flossers can help around braces, implants, and gums that feel sore with string. Some people prefer pre-threaded flossers for easy reach to back teeth. The ‘best’ choice is the one that helps you clean the spaces you have, every day.
Personal comfort and safety tips
• Never snap floss into the gums. If it feels tight, rock it gently through the contact.
• Use light pressure under the gumline. Think ‘polish the sides’, not ‘saw the gums’.
• If you have a retainer wire behind your front teeth, use a threader or super floss to get under it.
• Ask your hygienist about adding fluoride rinse if you’ve had cavities between teeth before.
Results you can expect
With daily flossing that fits your mouth, you’ll likely notice less bleeding, less soreness after cleanings, and fresher breath. Over time, you reduce your risk of gum disease and cavities in hard-to-reach spots. For extra motivation, read about the broader benefits in the benefits of flossing daily.
What about Canadian numbers?
Surveys suggest many Canadians don’t clean between their teeth every day. If flossing has been hit or miss for you, you’re not alone. The fix is not guilt — it’s a simple plan tailored to your teeth, tools that feel comfortable, and reminders that fit your routine.
Conclusion
Flossing correctly isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what works for your mouth. Choose the right tool, use a gentle C-shape, clean under the gumline, and link the habit to your day. Ask your hygienist to personalize your technique and tools, and you’ll see less bleeding, fewer between-tooth cavities, and healthier gums.
FAQ
How often should I floss?
Once a day is the sweet spot, ideally before brushing at night. That clears plaque and food so your toothpaste fluoride can reach between teeth and protect those surfaces as you sleep.
Should I floss before or after brushing?
Before brushing is often best. It removes debris first, then brushing and fluoride can coat those newly cleaned sides. If you’ll only floss after brushing, that’s fine — consistency matters most.
What type of floss is best for tight teeth?
Waxed floss or tape-style floss tends to slide more easily through tight contacts. If snapping is still a problem, ask about a thinner floss or a technique change to rock it through gently.
Are water flossers as good as string?
Both can work well if used correctly. Many people with braces, implants, or sore gums find water flossers easier and more comfortable to use every day. Read more in this guide to water flosser benefits.
My gums bleed when I floss. Should I stop?
Mild bleeding is common when you start and often improves within a week of gentle daily cleaning. If bleeding is heavy, continues for more than a week, or you have pain or swelling, book a dental visit to check for gum disease.
Is flossing daily really worth it?
Yes. Flossing reaches spots your brush can’t. It lowers your risk of gum disease and cavities between teeth and keeps breath fresher. For an easy overview of the payoff, see why regular flossing matters and the broader benefits of flossing daily.
