If floss becomes stuck between your teeth, the recommended method for removal is to gently shimmy it from side to side. Avoid forceful pulling or yanking.
Dealing with Stuck Floss
Flossing is a crucial part of oral hygiene, but occasionally, a piece of floss might get stuck. When this happens, the key is to avoid aggressive techniques that could harm your gums or teeth.
According to dental guidance, if the stuck piece of floss does not move freely:
- Try shimmying it from side to side in a gentle motion. This back-and-forth movement can help dislodge the floss from the tight spot.
What to Avoid
It is equally important to know what not to do when floss is stuck.
- Avoid any kind of yanking or pulling. Forceful removal can cause discomfort, damage gum tissue, or even chip a tooth in rare cases.
Focusing on gentle, controlled movements is the safest approach to free the floss.
