Using Oral-B Essential Floss is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining optimal oral hygiene by removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.
Effective flossing requires the correct technique to clean all surfaces gently and thoroughly. Below are the steps on how to properly use Oral-B Essential Floss.
Preparing to Floss
Before you begin, tear off about 18 inches (45 cm) of Oral-B Essential Floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand. This leaves a few inches of floss to work with and allows you to move to a fresh section for each tooth.
The Proper Flossing Technique
The video reference demonstrates key steps in handling and using the floss between teeth. Here's a breakdown of the technique:
Holding the Floss
Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers. Based on the video demonstration, use your index fingers, leaving an inch or two (about 1-2 inches or 2.5-5 cm) of floss free to work between your teeth. This short section gives you better control.
Gliding Between Teeth
Gently glide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth or sawing motion. Be careful not to snap the floss, as this can injure your gums. Guide the floss down to the gumline.
Cleaning Around the Tooth
Once the floss reaches the gumline, glide it around your tooth, making the shape of the letter C. Curve the floss against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the tooth and the gum (sulcus). Move the floss up and down several times against that side of the tooth.
Then, curve the floss in the opposite direction, making the shape of the letter C around the adjacent tooth, and repeat the up-and-down motion.
Flossing Each Tooth
Move to a fresh section of floss wound around your fingers as you move from one tooth to the next. Continue this process for all your teeth, including the back sides of your last molars. Remember to reach all surfaces where your toothbrush might not clean effectively.
Tips for Effective Flossing
- Consistency: Aim to floss at least once a day, preferably before brushing, to remove loosened particles.
- Gentleness: Always glide the floss gently to avoid irritating or cutting your gums.
- Fresh Section: Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring plaque and bacteria.
- Reach All Areas: Don't forget to floss behind your back teeth.
Following these steps will help you effectively use Oral-B Essential Floss as part of your daily oral care routine, contributing to healthier teeth and gums.
Quick Flossing Steps Summary
| Step | Action | Key Detail from Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Tear off about 18 inches of floss, wind around middle fingers. | N/A |
| 2. Holding | Hold floss taut between thumbs and index fingers. | Use index fingers, leave 1-2 inches free. |
| 3. Insertion | Gently glide floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. | Gently glide the floss between your teeth. |
| 4. Cleaning Around Tooth | Curve floss around one tooth and slide into the gum pocket. | Glide it around your tooth. |
| 5. Shaping | Make a 'C' shape around the tooth and move up and down. Repeat for the adjacent tooth. | Making the shape of the letter C. |
| 6. Moving On | Use a fresh section of floss for the next tooth. | N/A |
Incorporating these techniques ensures you are using Oral-B Essential Floss correctly to achieve optimal results in your oral hygiene routine.
