Proper Flossing Technique

At Sparks Family Dentistry patients always have excuses as to why they aren’t flossing on a daily basis. The most common is, “My gums bleed when I floss.” Blood in the sink is an early sign of gingivitis and it is reversible with the simple act of flossing. Today we are putting an end to the excuses by providing patients with the proper flossing technique.

To receive maximum benefits from flossing, use the following proper technique:

• 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!

If you have questions about oral hygiene as well as other services provided at the practice, visit www.sparksfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas Basora at Sparks Family Dentistry in Sparks, NV, call 775-359-3336.