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Finger wrap method for using dental floss

Illustration copyright 2000, 2003 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Cut a piece of floss 18in. to 20in. long. Wrap one end around your left middle finger and the other end around your right middle finger, until your hands are about 2in. to 3in. apart.

Gently work the floss between the teeth toward the gums. Curve the floss around each tooth into a U-shape, and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque. Popping the floss in and out between the teeth without scraping will not remove much plaque and can hurt your gums.

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH
- Dentist
Last Updated May 22, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 22, 2007
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