Flossing doesn’t have to be just another boring part of your daily routine. Think of it as the easiest way to invest in your smile. We all want bright pearly whites, but even if you’re the best brusher in the world and use the finest whitening treatments, clean, shiny teeth start with flossing.
Wondering how to floss teeth effectively? Learn how to hold floss the right way:
1. GRAB 18 or so inches of your favorite floss (about shoulder-width).
2. TWIRL 1-2x around your middle finger on one hand.
3. Twirl 1-2x around your middle finger on the other hand.
4. Insert floss between teeth. Make a "C" shape with the floss, hugging each side of each tooth. Slide floss up and down sides of teeth.
5. Hold floss with your pointers and thumbs close together, no more than 1 inch apart.
6. Move to a clean new section of floss for each inter-tooth space. (Repeating the used section of floss will spread bacterial plaque from one space to another.)
Pro flossing tip: Don't forget to floss behind your back molars too! Tucked all the way in the back of your mouth, it’s easy to forget about that last space.
Once you learn how to hold floss properly, the rest of the process becomes a breeze, and you’ll be able to reap the full benefits. Whitening, freshening, soothing, and cleansing are just a few of the many perks that come from something that takes less than five minutes away from your day.
