PROCEDURE

RATIONALE

Step 1: Break off a piece of waxed dental floss, approximately 30cm in length.

Having a piece of floss that is approximately 30cm in length, allows the user to utilize a new section of the floss after each tooth.

Step 2: Continually wrap the dental floss 2-3 times around the middle fingers, of both the left and right hands.

Using the middle fingers as an 'anchor' allows for increased control of the dental floss.

Step 3: For the upper teeth, grasp the floss tightly with the thumb and index finger of each hand, with 1.5cm of floss between the fingertips.

For the lower teeth, direct the dental floss downwards with the index fingers.

Holding the floss with two fingers increases the user's level of control.

Allowing for 1.5cm space between the fingertips reduces the likelihood of cutting the gums.

Step 4: Select an area of the mouth to begin and slowly progress around the mouth in a systemic manner.

Establishing a systematic pattern for flossing prevents certain areas from being missed during the flossing process. Many people start on the upper left hand molar and progress in an anti-clockwise direction to the lower left hand molar.

Step 5: Use a gentle seesaw motion, in order to pass the floss through the contact areas between the teeth.

Utilising a gentle seesaw motion reduces the chance of the floss popping through the contact area and causing damage to the gums.

Step 6: Wrap the floss firmly around the tooth in a "C" shape.
Move the dental floss along one side of the selected tooth in a backwards and forwards motion.

Place the dental floss on the adjacent tooth and repeat

Wrapping the floss around the tooth in a "C" shape increases the surface area covered by the floss, thereby removing more of the plaque and bacteria present between the teeth.

Step 7: Using a seesaw motion remove the floss through the contact area (space between the teeth).

Using a simple seesaw motion, allows for a more gentle removal of the floss.

Step 8: Progress to the new tooth, by unwrapping the floss from the left finger and tightening the floss with the right middle finger.

The use of a new segment of floss between each tooth inhibits the spread of bacteria to different areas of the mouth.

Step 9 : Repeat steps 5-8, until you have completed the entire mouth.

The entire mouth should beb flossed in order to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent bad breath.

Step 10: Dispose of the dental floss.

Dental floss is designed for a one-time use.