Using a gentle sawing motion, work the floss between your teeth without snapping it into the gums. At the gum line, hold the floss taut, bend it into a "C" shape and scrape up and down on the side of each tooth. Each stroke should go slightly below your gum line until you feel resistance. The type of floss you use -- waxed, unwaxed, flavored or unflavored -- isn't a factor in the effectiveness of flossing.
Use Special Tools for Hard to Reach Areas
If you have difficulty cleaning areas of your mouth with a standard toothbrush and floss, talk to your dentist or hygienist about the commercial products available that may make your oral hygiene more effective. These products may include extra-wide floss, floss holders, tongue scrapers, specially sized and shaped brushes or intradental cleaners.
If arthritis or other dexterity problems make it difficult or painful for you to brush, these adjustments may help:
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