Health Tip: Floss Properly

(HealthDay News) — Among the universal laws of dentistry is the need to brush and floss regularly. But are you flossing correctly?

The American Dental Association offers these instructions:

Using a piece of dental floss about 18 inches long, wrap each end around a finger.
Hold the floss taut between your fingers.
Gently rub the floss between each tooth, slowly going back and forth. Don’t push or snap the floss.
Carefully shape the floss into a C at the gum line, and slide it between the gum and tooth.
Press the floss firmly against the tooth, carefully sliding it up and down against all sides of the tooth. Then proceed to the next tooth.
Throw away the floss when you are finished.