The Proper Flossing Technique

At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. we’ve heard every excuse for why patients aren’t flossing. However, what these non-flossers don’t realize is that flossing is the key preventer of gum disease and tooth decay. If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, you should familiarize yourself with the proper flossing technique and utilize it in-between professional cleanings.  

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!


• Remeber to ask us about our special water flosser sytems and how they can benefit you.

If you have questions about oral hygiene, give us a call. To learn more about flossing techniques as well as the services we provide, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.