Flossing is just as important as brushing and is one of the best ways to remove plaque from between your teeth.

Flossing should begin early in life and should be carried out daily. Used correctly, dental floss removes leftover food and plaque from the teeth, helping to prevent gum disease.

Accessing dental treatment

If you have a dental problem, you should first telephone the dental practice that you normally attend.

If you are not registered with a dental practice, your nearest dental practice should still be able to help.

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Types of dental floss

Dental floss comes in many different forms and product types. It is a thin thread made of either plastic or nylon.

Varieties include waxed, unwaxed and flavoured floss, usually mint.

You can also get floss picks. Floss picks already have floss threaded onto a u-shaped stick or plastic holder, which can make flossing easier.

All types have their own benefits. Ask your dentist or hygienist which option is best for your needs.

How to use dental floss

Be thorough but gentle when using dental floss. Make sure you reach the gumline, but do not force the floss down too far or too severely, as this can damage your gums.

Always follow flossing advice given to you by your dentist, including how often you should use it.

  • Pull out a section of floss about 18 inches long, roughly the size of a long desk ruler.
  • Wrap the floss around the middle finger on each hand, leaving a length of taut floss in the middle.
  • Use your thumb and forefinger on each hand, leaving about 1 to 2 inches in the middle. Pull the floss tight so it can be inserted between your teeth.
  • Without force, move the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth and under the gumline. Be careful but thorough around the gumline.
  • Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid moving plaque around your mouth.
  • Repeat the process on each tooth until every tooth has been flossed.
  • Do not forget the teeth at the back of your mouth. The exposed surfaces of these teeth should also be flossed.
Bleeding gums when you floss

Your dentist may advise that the first few times you floss your gums may bleed a little.

This can happen because your gums may be tender and are not used to such a thorough clean, especially while you are removing plaque build-up.

Keep flossing once a day as part of your oral health routine. The bleeding and sensitivity should subside.

If the bleeding or sensitivity does not improve, seek advice from your dentist or hygienist.

If flossing is too difficult or painful to continue, speak to your dentist about other options. They may recommend a more suitable floss or another way of cleaning between your teeth, such as interdental brushes.

Floss is available from supermarkets, pharmacies and from some dental practices.

Brushing

Getting into a flossing routine is one of the best things you can do for your teeth, alongside brushing twice a day.

You can find out more about getting the best clean in the Public Health Wales teeth cleaning guide.

Read the teeth cleaning guide