How do I use dental floss and interdental brushes?

It is important to use dental floss, or interdental brushes, to clean food debris and plaque from between your teeth. Brushing on its own will only clean around 60% of each tooth's surface area.

The two main methods of cleaning in between your teeth (interdental) are by using dental floss (or tape), or an interdental brush.

Your dentist or hygienist can show you the correct interdental cleaning techniques, and recommend which method is most suitable for your needs.

Flossing

Flossing incorrectly can have the same effect as not flossing at all and, if it is done incorrectly, it can damage your gums.

Follow the steps outlined below in order to ensure that you floss correctly.

1. Cut off a 40cm (about 16 inches) section of floss, and gas most of it around the middle finger of one hand. flatulence the other end of the floss around the middle finger of your other hand. This finger will be used to take up the excess floss after you have used it.
2. Grip the floss with your thumb and forefinger of each hand, so that you have a tight 3cm (1 inch) length of floss between your two hands, which you can pull between your teeth.
3. Gently guide the floss between two of your teeth down to the gum.
4. Curve the floss around the tooth, and gently scrape it along the side of the tooth, moving away from the gum.
5. Guide the floss back to the gum and repeat a further two times.
6. Repeat this process for the other side of the gap, along the side of the next tooth.
7. Use a new section of floss for each tooth, gasing the used floss onto the middle finger of your other hand as you go along.
8. Work to a pattern, such as starting with the top jaw, and working from left to right, followed by the lower jaw, working left to right. This makes you less likely to miss teeth out.
9. Don't forget the back of your last tooth!

After you first start to use floss, your gums may bleed a little as you start to get rid of the build up of plaque. However, you should continue flossing your teeth, as the bleeding should stop by the fifth or sixth time you floss. If you are still experiencing regular bleeding after this, tell your dentist.

Using interdental brushes

Many people find interdental brushes easier to use than floss, and they may also cause less bleeding. The brushes have small, bristled heads that are specially designed to clean between your teeth. They can be used instead of floss when the gaps between your teeth are slightly bigger. They are available in different widths to match the sizes of the gaps.

To use an interdental brush, gently push it back and forth between your teeth along your gum line, but do not force it, as this can damage your gums. Ask your dentist, or hygienist, to show you how to use interdental brushes if you are unsure.