How to use dental floss?

Dental floss is usually made out of plastic (Teflon) or nylon and is used to remove food and plaque from the teeth. 10 - 50m of floss is put in small plastic containers, on the top is a small blade used for ripping the floss. It should be used at least once a day, because it improves the oral hygiene and prevents gum diseases and cavities.

It is held between the fingers. Put in between the teeth in C shape, go around the neck of the tooth gently between the gum and the tooth (in the sulcus) and slowly pull down. That way you remove plaque and food that is stuck between the teeth. Bare in mind that plaque containes colonising bacteria, mostly Streptococcus mutans and other anaerobs that can produce acids as part of their metabolism which will eventually destroy enamel and cause cavities.

In the market, you can find so called flossing picks, but my suggestion is to use standard dental floss. It is easier to control it between your fingers and there is not a big chance to hurt gums while flossing.

Not to commercialize any brand, but Oral B is my favorite!

Flossing technique, see the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_KAs8kr3Qs