How to Floss Properly: A Simple Guide

Flossing doesn't need to be complicated — but a little technique makes it far more comfortable and far more effective. Here's how to do it right, whichever tool you use.

With string floss

1. Take about 40–45 cm of floss and wind the ends around your middle fingers, leaving a few centimetres to work with.
2. Slide it gently between two teeth — ease it in, don't snap it down onto the gums.
3. Curve it into a “C” around one tooth and move it up and down along the side, slightly under the gumline.
4. Curve it the other way and repeat on the neighbouring tooth before moving on.
5. Use a fresh section of floss for each gap.

With floss picks

The technique is the same C-shape idea, minus the finger gymnastics. Hold the handle, slide the floss between two teeth, hug one tooth then the other, and rinse the pick between gaps. The handle makes back teeth far easier to reach — which is exactly where most people give up with string.

With hands-free floss (Gfloss)

1. Rest the thread between the two teeth you want to clean.
2. Bite down gently so the thread slides into the gap.
3. Press the tip with your lip — or your tongue, for the molars — to pop it back out.
4. Move it to the next gap with your tongue, and repeat.

Go slowly at first and start with the easier gaps. Never force it; it takes a few tries to get the feel.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Snapping the floss down. It hurts and it's rough on gums. Ease in gently.
• Only going straight up and down. The C-shape against each tooth is what actually cleans the surface.
• Stopping at the front teeth. The molars trap the most food — they need it most.
• Quitting because of a little bleeding. Gums that aren't used to flossing may bleed slightly at first; with gentle, regular cleaning this usually settles in about a week. If it continues, check with your dentist.
• Treating it as optional. Once a day is the habit worth keeping — the time of day matters less than the consistency.

Simple products, significant cause

Good flossing is mostly gentleness plus consistency. Start with whichever tool feels easiest — that's the one you'll still be using next month. Not sure which that is? Compare floss picks, string floss and hands-free side by side.