How to Floss Properly: A Simple Guide for a Healthier Smile

Arcadia Medi-Dental Group
Aug 6
4 min read

Flossing is one of the most important steps in maintaining a healthy smile—but many people either skip it or don’t do it correctly. At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, we’re here to help you build better oral habits that protect your teeth, gums, and overall health.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to floss properly, why it matters, and how our friendly team in Arcadia, CA can support your long-term oral health.

Why Is Flossing So Important?

Flossing isn’t just for getting food out of your teeth before a date or a meeting—it’s a critical part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

Even if you brush twice a day, you're still missing nearly 40% of the surfaces of your teeth if you skip flossing. That’s because your toothbrush can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth or below the gumline, where plaque and bacteria like to hide.

When plaque is left in those areas, it can lead to:

Bad breath (halitosis)
Tooth decay between teeth
Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
Gum disease (periodontitis)

By flossing daily, you help prevent gum disease, protect your enamel, and keep your breath fresher—naturally.

How to Floss Properly: Step-by-Step

If you’re not sure whether you’re flossing the right way, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many patients who visit us at Arcadia Medi-Dental Group ask for flossing tips. Here's the proper technique:

Step 1: Start with Enough Floss

Break off about 18–24 inches of dental floss. Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with between your hands.

Step 2: Hold It Correctly

Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, keeping it tight but manageable.

Step 3: Gently Slide Between Teeth

Guide the floss gently between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Never snap it down into your gums—it can cause damage.

Step 4: Curve Around the Tooth

Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a C-shape around one tooth and slide it up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline.

Step 5: Repeat for Each Tooth

Use a clean section of floss for each space. Don’t forget the back side of your last molars!

Flossing Tips from Your Arcadia Dentist

Our team at Arcadia Medi-Dental Group believes flossing should be simple, comfortable, and effective. Here are a few extra tips:

Find a floss that works for you. Waxed, unwaxed, dental tape, or even flavored floss are all good options—as long as you use them regularly.
Try floss picks or a water flosser if you have braces, bridges, or limited dexterity.
Be gentle. If your gums bleed at first, don’t panic. That’s often a sign of inflammation—and it will improve with regular flossing.
Set a reminder. Try flossing before bed, while watching TV, or as part of your nightly routine.

If you’re unsure which tools to use or if flossing feels uncomfortable, we’re happy to walk you through options during your next visit.

How We Support Your Oral Health at Arcadia Medi-Dental

At Arcadia Medi-Dental Group, we don’t just care about your teeth—we care about your comfort and confidence. Our gentle, personalized approach to family dental care in Arcadia, CA ensures you get the guidance and tools you need to keep your smile healthy at home.

Here’s how we can help:

Routine Dental Cleanings

Even if you floss every day, plaque can still build up in hard-to-reach areas. Our professional cleanings remove tartar and monitor your gum health.

Gum Disease Treatment

If you’re already showing signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, we offer deep cleanings and laser periodontal treatment using the advanced Fotona laser system.

Digital Dental Technology

Using tools like the TRIOS 6 intraoral scanner, iTero, and digital imaging, we catch potential issues early and customize your care without discomfort.

Personalized Education

We love helping our patients build better habits. Whether you’re teaching your kids to floss or trying to improve your own technique, we’re here with friendly advice—no judgment ever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flossing

Is it better to floss before or after brushing?

Either works, but flossing before brushing may help remove debris first and allow fluoride to reach more surfaces.

What if my gums bleed when I floss?

Bleeding gums often mean inflammation from lack of flossing. Keep at it gently, and the bleeding should stop in a few days. If it doesn’t, schedule a checkup.

Is a water flosser just as good?

Water flossers are excellent for people with braces or sensitivity, but they may not fully replace string floss. Ask us what’s best for you!

Gentle Dental Care in Arcadia, CA

If you're looking for family-friendly dental care or want help improving your oral hygiene routine, we’d love to welcome you to Arcadia Medi-Dental Group. Whether it's a simple cleaning, a deep cleaning, or help managing gum disease, our team is here to make dentistry easy and stress-free.

We’re here to help with everything from cleanings and exams to teaching you how to floss properly. Let’s keep your smile healthy—together.

👉 Call (626) 515-8090