Flossing Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins. If you find using floss awkward or difficult, ask your dental hygienist about the variety of dental floss holders or interdental cleaning devices that are available. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
G ently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion.
Contour floss around the side of the tooth. S lide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.