How to Floss Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide for Healthy Gums

By Desert Essence | Cruelty-Free Skin, Body & Hair Care | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the correct flossing technique with our easy-to-follow steps, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for choosing between floss and tape for healthier gums.

Quick Answer

To floss properly, use an 18-inch piece of floss, glide it gently between teeth with a sawing motion, curve it around each tooth in a C-shape, and slide it below the gumline—without snapping or forcing it.

Why Proper Technique Matters

Flossing isn't just about removing food stuck between teeth. Done correctly, it disrupts plaque before it hardens into tartar, which brushing alone can't remove. Poor technique—like snapping floss into the gums—can cause bleeding and damage, making you less likely to stick with the habit.

The right floss can make the process smoother. For tight spaces, a waxed floss or tape glides more easily. Our dental floss and tape are coated with sustainably sourced beeswax, which helps them slide through tough-to-clean areas without shredding.

Floss vs. Tape: What's the Difference?

Dental floss is typically round or string-like, while dental tape is wider and flatter. Tape can be more comfortable for people with wider gaps between teeth, and it covers more surface area per pass. Floss is often easier to maneuver in very tight spaces.

Both are effective when used correctly. If you're unsure which to choose, consider your spacing: tight contacts may favor floss, while wider spaces may feel better with tape. Some people keep both on hand for different areas of the mouth.

Step-by-Step: How to Floss Properly

Cut the Right Length: Break off about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with. This gives you enough length to use a fresh section for each tooth. Using a fresh segment of floss for each gap prevents transferring plaque and bacteria.
Hold and Glide: Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently guide it between teeth using a back-and-forth sawing motion. Do not snap or pop the floss into the gums—this can cause injury and bleeding. Always use a gentle sawing motion to avoid hurting your gums.
Curve into a C-Shape: When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape around one tooth. Slide it gently into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance. This cleans the curved surface that brushing misses. Curving around the tooth ensures you clean below the gumline where plaque hides.
Rub and Repeat: Rub the floss against the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion, moving it away from the gum. Repeat on the adjacent tooth. Do not forget the back of your last molars. Don't skip the back teeth—they are just as prone to plaque buildup.
Rinse and Dispose: After flossing, rinse your mouth with water (or mouthwash) to wash away dislodged debris. Throw the used floss in the trash—never reuse it, as it can reintroduce bacteria. Fresh floss every session is essential for effective cleaning.

Products That Help

Dental Floss & Dental Tape: Our dental floss and dental tapes are made with sustainably sourced beeswax to smoothly glide through tough-to-clean areas. The beeswax coating reduces friction, making it easier to slide between tight teeth without shredding or snapping, which encourages a gentler, more consistent flossing routine.
Dental Floss & Dental Tape