How often should I floss?

Once a day is the standard recommendation from the American Dental Association. Flossing before bed is ideal because it removes the day's plaque and food debris before you sleep — when saliva flow decreases and bacteria are most active. If you can only floss once a day, make it nighttime.

My gums bleed when I floss — should I stop?

No — bleeding gums are usually a sign of inflammation from plaque buildup, not a reason to stop flossing. In most cases, consistent daily flossing will reduce the inflammation and bleeding within 1–2 weeks. If bleeding persists after two weeks of regular flossing, mention it at your next dental visit — it may indicate early gum disease.

Is flossing before or after brushing better?

Flossing before brushing is slightly better — it loosens plaque and food between teeth so your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can clean more effectively. But the most important thing is that you floss consistently every day. If you're more likely to floss after brushing, do it then.

Are floss picks as effective as regular floss?

Floss picks can be effective if used correctly — making a C-shape around each tooth and sliding below the gumline. They're more convenient and easier to use for some people, especially for back teeth. The main limitation is that you're using the same piece of floss for your entire mouth, which can spread bacteria. For best results, use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.

What about water flossers?

Water flossers (like Waterpik) are excellent tools, especially for people with braces, bridges, implants, or limited dexterity. They're effective at flushing out food and reducing gum inflammation. However, they don't replace traditional floss entirely — string floss is still better at physically scraping plaque off tooth surfaces. Using both is ideal.

What type of floss is best?

The best floss is the one you'll use consistently. Waxed floss slides more easily between tight contacts. Unwaxed floss may squeak against clean teeth, which some people use as a signal that the tooth is clean. Dental tape is wider and gentler for people with sensitive gums. Floss threaders are essential for braces or bridges. Ask your hygienist for a recommendation based on your specific teeth.

What Is the Correct Way to Floss? | Dental Learning Center

Quick Answer

Use about 18 inches of floss, wrap most around your middle fingers, and guide a fresh section between each tooth. Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it gently below the gumline — don't snap or saw. Floss once daily, ideally before bed.

What You'll Learn

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Step-by-step technique

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Why gums bleed

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Flossing tools

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How often to floss

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How to Floss Correctly: Step by Step

Cut the right amount

Break off about 18 inches of floss. This gives you enough to use a fresh section for each tooth.

Wind it around your fingers

Wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand, and the rest around the middle finger of the other. Leave about 1–2 inches of floss to work with.

Hold it taut

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Keep it taut — a slack piece of floss won't clean effectively.

Slide gently between teeth

Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle zigzag motion. Never snap or force the floss — this can cut your gums.

Curve into a C-shape

When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

Scrape up and down

Hold the floss firmly against the tooth and move it up and down to scrape the side of the tooth. Repeat on the adjacent tooth in the same space.

Use a fresh section for each tooth

As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind a fresh section of floss. Using the same section spreads bacteria from tooth to tooth.

Don't forget the back of your last molars

The back surface of your last molars is often missed. Curve the floss around the back of each molar and clean that surface too.

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Most Common Flossing Mistakes

Snapping the floss into the gums

Guide it gently with a zigzag motion — snapping cuts gum tissue and causes bleeding

Only going straight up and down

Curve into a C-shape to clean below the gumline where plaque hides

Using the same section for every tooth

Use a fresh section for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria

Skipping the back molars

The back surfaces of your last molars need flossing too — they're a common spot for cavities

Flossing too aggressively

Gentle pressure is all you need — aggressive flossing damages gum tissue over time

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Flossing Tools: Which One Is Right for You?

Traditional string floss

Best for: Most people

The gold standard. Waxed floss slides easily between tight contacts; unwaxed floss may squeak to signal a clean tooth.

Floss picks

Best for: Convenience seekers, back teeth

Easy to use and great for on-the-go. Less effective than string floss because you use the same piece throughout. Still much better than not flossing.

Water flosser (Waterpik)

Best for: Braces, bridges, implants, limited dexterity

Excellent at flushing debris and reducing gum inflammation. Best used as a complement to string floss, not a replacement.

Floss threaders

Best for: Braces, bridges, permanent retainers

A thin loop that threads floss under wires and through bridge pontics. Essential for anyone with fixed dental work.

Interdental brushes

Best for: Wide gaps between teeth, implants

Small brushes that fit between teeth. Particularly effective for cleaning around implants and larger spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Brush Before or After Breakfast?Is an Electric Toothbrush Better Than a Manual?How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?How Do I Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?

Let us show you the right technique

Our hygienists are happy to walk you through proper flossing at your next cleaning. Schedule your visit today.

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What Is the Correct Way to Floss?

How to Floss Correctly: Step by Step

Most Common Flossing Mistakes

Flossing Tools: Which One Is Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

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Let us show you the right technique