Keeping your teeth and gums clean by removing plaque bacteria is the best way to protect against gum problems, however it is difficult to reach the spaces in between your teeth by brushing alone. Dental floss or tape can help you to remove plaque build up from between your teeth and below the gum line (where your tooth meets the gum).

While interdental brushes can be very effective at keeping those hard to reach spaces clean, sometimes the gaps between your teeth are too small to fit a brush in, which is why floss is a great alternative.

HOW TO FLOSS

When it comes to flossing teeth effectively, using the correct technique is vital. Here’s our simple guide to help show you how to floss properly:

  1. Always be gentle, if you floss too aggressively you could damage your gums.
  2. Break off around 45cm of floss and wind the ends around one finger of each hand.
  3. Hold the floss gently between your thumbs and forefingers, with around 2.5cm held taut between them.
  4. Use a gentle rocking motion to insert the floss between your teeth.
  5. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against the tooth.
  6. Hold the floss against the side of the tooth and gently scrape the floss upwards away from the gum, repeat on the other side of the gap on the edge of the next tooth. Do not snap or saw the floss.
  7. Don’t forget the back of your last tooth.
  8. Keep to a regular rhythm to ensure you don’t miss any teeth out.

 

If you aren’t sure about how to floss correctly ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the right technique.

At first you may see bleeding when flossing, this should clear up quickly, but if you are still seeing blood when you floss after a few days it could be a sign that you have gum problems. It is important to discuss this with your dentist, who can check the health of your gums and advise you on how to put a stop to gum problems.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU FLOSS?

From the age of 12 you should use interdental brushes or floss to clean between your teeth once a day before brushing.

HEALTHY TEETH START WITH HEALTHY GUMS

Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using a manual or electric toothbrush with a small head and soft, rounded bristles.  Use parodontax Daily Fluoride Toothpaste, which physically removes the build of plaque bacteria along the gum line, helping to keep the seal between your gums and teeth tight. When used to brush twice daily it removes 4x more plaque than a regular toothpaste*1 removing a main cause of bleeding gums**.

*versus regular toothpaste with twice daily brushing, removing a main cause of bleeding gums

**This claim does not apply to parodontax Whitening

1. 6-Month Randomised Controlled Study, Journal of Clinical Dentistry 2018;29:33-39 using toothpaste containing 67% sodium bicarbonate, with twice daily brushing. Individual results may vary.

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ABOUT GUM DISEASE

Explore the articles below to learn more about gum disease, as well as how to help combat and prevent it.

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How you can prevent your gums from bleeding

Six simple steps you can take in your daily oral care routine to reduce your risk of seeing blood when you spit.

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Braces, retainers and bleeding gums: the facts

Wearing braces or retainers can make you more vulnerable to gum disease. A good oral health routine is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

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