Flossing your teeth is very important for your overall oral health. However, while many Canadians understand the importance of regular brushing, regular flossing is far rarer. For good oral hygiene, you should floss at least once a day with proper flossing technique. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll go over the reasons why flossing is so important and how you can achieve flawless floss every time.
Effects Of Gum Disease On The Gum Line
Periodontal disease is a type of oral disease caused by bacterial growth. The earliest stage, known as gingivitis, causes bleeding and swelling in the gums. Without treatment, the later stages of the disease can lead to retracted gums, tooth decay, and even bone loss.
Gum diseases develop when food decays in your mouth. Bacteria use this food to feed and spread, creating a slimy film. Brushing removes this film, or “plaque,” from the tooth surface but plaque and food particles between your teeth are left untouched. Floss reaches these crucial areas, removing plaque from hard-to-reach spaces to help maintain good oral health.
Types Of Dental Floss
Everyone’s teeth are different and there are different types of dental floss to match each individual’s needs. The type of floss that works best for you depends on the spaces between your teeth, whether you have braces or implants, and your own personal preferences.

- Standard Floss is your typical nylon strand. It is often waxed, making it easier to fit between crowded or tightly packed teeth.
- Dental Tape is much more broad and flat, like a fettuccine noodle. This makes it easier to floss your teeth if you have wide gaps or braces.
- Floss Threaders, like super floss, are tools to make flossing more effective for people with braces and bridges. A floss threader is made of three parts: spongy floss to clean around the appliance, a stiff end for the underside of the appliance, and regular floss to clean under the gumline.
Other Flossing Tools
If you have trouble with proper flossing, an electric flosser or water flosser can remove plaque by applying a stream of pressurized water to the spaces between each tooth. Automated flossers are easy to use and are especially good at cleaning bacteria from braces since they can get between brackets and under the main wire. Ask your dentist about these treatment options at your next appointment.
Proper Flossing: A Step-By-Step Process
It’s important to know the right way to floss your teeth for the benefits of good dental health. Improper flossing can lead to tooth damage so we’ve created a daily flossing guide to make sure you’re maintaining the best possible dental care.

Protecting Your Tooth Surface: Floss First
While most people brush before flossing, dentists believe it could be more effective to floss first instead. While flossing loosens food particles and decaying matter, it doesn’t remove all of them from your mouth. A thorough tooth brushing will ensure that these particles are scrubbed away from the surface of each tooth.
How To Floss Your Teeth Properly
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the rest of the floss around the same finger on your opposite hand. As the floss is used, this second finger will take it up.
- Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers.
- Use a gentle rubbing motion to shimmy the floss between your teeth. Never snap the floss into your gums.
- When you reach the gum line, curve it into a c-shape against one tooth. Then gently slide it into the gap between two teeth.
- While holding the floss tightly against the tooth, floss gently using up-and-down rubbing motions to slowly move away from the gums.
- Repeat this method for all your teeth - remember to get the backside of your back molars.
- Dispose of your dental floss.

Book An Appointment With A Trusted Dentist
Routine dental cleanings are an important facet of dental care. When you book an appointment with your dentist, consider scheduling a cleaning. A dental hygienist will inspect your teeth before providing a thorough brush, floss, and polish. Dentists recognize the importance of flossing for better oral health and can answer any questions or concerns you may have about flossing or other services. Book your appointment with a dentist today!