How to FlossOnline Dental Education LibraryOur patient education section is designed to enable you to learn more about dentistry and oral health related topics. The more we educate each patient, the more informed everyone is about their dental health. If there is a topic you want to learn more about that you don't find on our website, please let us know. You will find information ranging from what causes bad breath to how to read x-rays to oral cancer. Please either click the blue arrow pointing to the right at the bottom of the page or click any of the links below to go directly to that page. How to FlossFlossing 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 us about dental floss holders or interdental cleaning devices that are available. Wind 18" of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1"- 2" length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth. Keep a 1" - 2" length of floss taut between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth. Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Do not snap floss between your teeth but contour floss around the side of the tooth. Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.