The BEST flossing technique and how to actually do it!

Most people have been told to floss, yet very few have been shown how to do it properly.
Good technique matters.
It protects your gums.
It removes plaque toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
It reduces bleeding over time.

If you want your gums to improve this year, start with this simple method.

1. Use the right length of floss

Take a piece about the length of your forearm.
This gives you control and keeps your fingers from slipping.
Wrap most of the floss around one middle finger.
Wrap a small amount around the other.

2. Slide, don’t snap

Gently guide the floss between your teeth.
Avoid forcing it.
Snapping can irritate the gums and make flossing feel painful.

If it feels tight, move slowly and use a small side-to-side motion.

3. Hug the tooth

This is the step most people miss.

Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a C-shape around one tooth.
Slide it up and down, reaching just under the gum line.
Then curve it around the other tooth and repeat.

This is where plaque hides.
This is also where bleeding improves fastest when you floss correctly.

4. Use a clean section as you move through your mouth

Unwind fresh floss from one finger and wind used floss onto the other.
This keeps things clean and helps the floss glide better.

5. Be gentle but consistent

Your gums may bleed at first.
Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, not a sign to stop.
With daily flossing, most bleeding reduces within one to two weeks.

A little discomfort now prevents bigger problems later.

Why This Matters

Plaque between your teeth leads to bleeding gums, bad breath, and deeper gum pockets over time.
Flossing daily removes it before it hardens.
When you combine good technique with consistency, you will see and feel a difference.

This is why our January focus is the Daily Flossing Challenge.
Small steps add up.
If you want to track your progress, download your habit tracker below.

Ready to start

Download your 31 day Flossing Habit Tracker.
Complete one day at a time.
Notice your bleeding reduce and your gums feel firmer.