Short answer: Cut about 40–45 centimeters of floss and wind it around your middle fingers; the short, taut section in between is gently slid between two teeth. Wrap the floss in a C shape around the side of each tooth, bring it down to just below the gum line and move it up and down. Use a clean section for each gap, and clean between your teeth at least once a day.
A toothbrush cleans the front, back and chewing surfaces of the teeth, but the bristles cannot adequately reach the surfaces where two teeth touch. That is why the question how to floss is a part of oral care that is at least as important as brushing. In this article we explain the benefits of flossing, the correct flossing technique step by step, the different types of floss, common mistakes and cleaning between teeth in special situations such as braces, bridges or implants.
Why is flossing necessary?
Flossing is necessary because bacterial plaque and food debris that build up between the teeth cannot be completely removed by brushing alone, and these are the areas where decay and gum disease often start. Two of a tooth's five surfaces face the neighboring teeth; without regular flossing, these surfaces are left largely uncleaned.
- Helps reduce decay between teeth: Decay that starts between the teeth often cannot be seen from the outside and is only noticed once it has progressed or on an X-ray.
- Supports gum health: Plaque that builds up just below the gum line causes redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. Regular interdental cleaning helps prevent gum inflammation and helps it subside.
- Can reduce bad breath: Food debris and bacteria left between the teeth are major sources of bad breath.
- Slows tartar formation: Plaque that is not cleaned hardens over time and turns into tartar, which can only be removed with professional cleaning.
Dental organizations recommend cleaning between the teeth at least once a day in addition to brushing. This can be done with floss or with interdental brushes in a size that suits you.
Step-by-step: the right way to floss
Correct flossing is based on gently placing the floss between the teeth, wrapping it around the side of each tooth in a "C" shape and moving it up and down; snapping the floss against the gum and using it like a saw is not correct.
- Take enough floss: Cut about 40–45 centimeters of floss. Wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand.
- Leave a short section for control: Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving a taut 2–3 centimeter section in between.
- Insert the floss between the teeth: Slide the floss between two teeth with a gentle back-and-forth motion. Do not force it through the contact point, and do not let the floss snap against the gum.
- Wrap it in a "C" shape: Wrap the floss around the side of one tooth and gently bring it down to just below the gum line. Then, pressing the floss against the tooth surface, move it up and down a few times.
- Clean the neighboring tooth as well: In the same gap, wrap the floss around the surface of the other tooth and repeat the movement.
- Move to a clean section: For each new gap, wind the floss from one finger to the other to use a clean section.
- Do not forget the back teeth: The back surfaces of the last molars should also be cleaned with floss.
There is no strict rule on whether to floss before or after brushing; what matters is doing it every day with the right technique. Some dentists recommend flossing first, so that the debris loosened from between the teeth is then cleaned away with the brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Types of dental floss
Types of floss include waxed and unwaxed floss, tape floss, thick floss with a spongy section, floss picks and, as alternatives to floss, interdental brushes and water flossers; which one is suitable depends on the width of the gaps between your teeth and your manual dexterity.
- Waxed floss: Passes more easily through tight contact points and is less likely to fray and snap.
- Unwaxed floss: Thinner; the slight squeak it makes as it passes can give a sense that cleaning is being done.
- Tape (ribbon) floss: Wider and flatter; it can be comfortable for people with slightly open gaps between their teeth.
- Floss with a spongy section: With one stiff end and a thick, spongy middle, this floss is designed to be threaded under bridges and fixed braces.
- Floss picks: Consist of a short piece of floss stretched across a plastic handle. They are practical for people with limited dexterity and for children, but it is hard to use a clean section of floss for each gap.
- Interdental brushes: For people with open gaps between their teeth or gum recession, they can often be more effective than floss. It is important that the right size is determined by your dentist.
- Water flosser: Removes debris with pressurized water; it is a helpful tool, especially around fixed braces and implants, but on its own it does not always replace floss or an interdental brush.
Common mistakes
The most common flossing mistakes are snapping the floss hard against the gum, cleaning only the front teeth, using the same section of floss for the whole mouth and stopping when bleeding appears.
- Pressing hard: Snapping the floss quickly against the gum can cause cuts and, over time, recession.
- Only passing through the contact point: Passing the floss through the gap and immediately pulling it out is not enough; the real cleaning is done by wrapping it around the tooth surface.
- Stopping because of bleeding: Mild bleeding in the first days is common in people who are new to flossing and is usually a sign of gum inflammation. With regular use it usually decreases within a week or two. If the bleeding continues, you should consult a dentist.
- Irregular use: Flossing once or twice a week does not provide the benefit of a daily habit.
- Skipping the back teeth: Decay and gum problems are seen most often in the hard-to-reach back areas.
Cleaning between teeth with braces, bridges and implants
Cleaning between the teeth around fixed braces, bridges and implants requires more care and is often done with helpful tools such as floss with a spongy section, floss threaders, interdental brushes and water flossers.
- Fixed braces: Because of the wires, the floss cannot be passed down from above. Using a floss threader or floss with a stiff end, the floss is passed under the wire and each gap is cleaned separately. Small interdental brushes can be used around the brackets.
- Bridge: Food and plaque build up under the part of the bridge that replaces the missing tooth. Floss with a spongy section is threaded under this area to clean it.
- Implant: The gum around an implant is a critical area for the implant's longevity. Floss and interdental brushes that will not scratch the implant surface should be used on your dentist's recommendation.
- Clear aligner users: Because aligners can be removed, flossing can continue as usual. Brushing your teeth and cleaning between them before putting your aligners back in prevents food and bacteria from being trapped under the aligners. For caring for the aligners themselves, you can take a look at our guide on how to clean clear aligners.
Oral care checkup in Ankara
If you notice persistent bleeding when flossing, floss catching and tearing in a particular gap, or sensitivity between your teeth, there may be decay, an old filling edge or a gum problem behind it. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, during regular checkups and professional cleaning appointments, we also show you the interdental cleaning tools that suit you. To make an appointment, you can use our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should you floss?
The general recommendation is to clean between your teeth at least once a day in addition to brushing. For many people, flossing before bed is a practical habit.
My gums bleed when I floss. Should I stop?
No. Mild bleeding is common in beginners and is usually a sign of gum inflammation. With gentle, regular use it usually decreases within a week or two; if the bleeding continues, see your dentist.
Does flossing widen the gaps between teeth?
Floss used with the right technique does not widen the gaps between teeth. Spaces noticed after flossing are usually areas that were previously filled with plaque and tartar, or are related to gum recession.
Interdental brush or floss?
For people with tight contacts between their teeth, floss may be more effective; for those with open gaps or gum recession, an interdental brush may work better. Your dentist can show you which tool and which size are suitable during an examination.
