Robin Jungblut, D.D.S.

You should be cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque from between teeth where the toothbrush can't reach. The proper technique is to:

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• 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.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of 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 remember, you can floss any time of the day or night. Flossing is not limited to when you are brushing your teeth.