Quick answer
Use about 18 inches of natural spearmint floss, wrap it around your middle fingers, and gently slide it between teeth using a C-shape motion against each tooth surface.
Why technique matters with natural floss
Natural floss, like Tom's of Maine Naturally Waxed Antiplaque Flat Floss, is designed to be strong yet gentle on gums. The waxed nylon filaments resist snapping and fraying, but proper technique is still key to avoid gum irritation. Snapping floss into the gum line can cause bleeding and discomfort, especially if you're new to natural dental floss.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using too short a piece of floss can cause you to reuse a section that already carries bacteria. Also, sawing back and forth without curving the floss against the tooth misses plaque below the gumline. Finally, flossing after brushing rather than before can leave debris between teeth that toothpaste can't reach.
Step-by-step flossing technique
- Step 1: Cut and wrap: Cut about 18 inches of natural spearmint floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches between them. Hold the floss tightly with your thumbs and index fingers. Using a fresh section for each tooth prevents redistributing plaque.
- Step 2: Guide gently between teeth: Slide the floss between two teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Do not snap or force it into the gum line. If it feels tight, ease it out and try from a different angle. Snapping floss can damage gum tissue and cause bleeding.
- Step 3: Curve into a C-shape: Once the floss is between teeth, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Gently slide it up and down, going slightly below the gumline. Repeat on the adjacent tooth. The C-shape ensures you clean the full side of each tooth, not just the space between them.
- Step 4: Use a clean section per tooth: Unwind a fresh section of floss from your middle finger as you move to the next tooth. This avoids transferring bacteria from one tooth to another. Reusing the same floss section can reintroduce plaque and food particles.
- Step 5: Rinse and check: After flossing all teeth, rinse your mouth with water or natural mouthwash. Check for any remaining debris or bleeding spots that might need extra attention. Bleeding that persists after a week may indicate gum disease; consult your dentist.
Product facts
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Antiplaque Spearmint Natural Floss: Strong between teeth yet gentle on gums, Tom's of Maine Naturally Waxed Antiplaque Flat Floss helps keep teeth and gums healthy. The naturally waxed nylon filaments prevent snapping or fraying and remove particles efficiently and thoroughly. This means you can floss thoroughly without worrying about the floss breaking mid-use or irritating sensitive gum tissue.
Antiplaque Spearmint Natural Floss
