How to floss between the teeth

Person flossing, showing floss moving up and down between teeth

Gently work the floss between the teeth toward the gums. Curve the floss around each tooth into a U-shape, and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque. Popping or snapping the floss in and out between the teeth without scraping will not remove much plaque and can hurt your gums.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry

Current as ofMay 7, 2017

Current as of: May 7, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry

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