Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. An important oral hygiene habit, it cleans and dislodges food stuck between your teeth, which reduces the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on teeth and contributes to cavities and gum disease. Knowing the right time to floss also contributes to good oral health. It is generally recommended to floss and then brush your teeth. Flossing helps lift and release food and plaque stuck in between your teeth, while brushing removes these particles from your mouth. If you brush first and floss afterward, food and plaque will remain in your mouth until the next time you brush. Of course, it isn’t enough to simply floss. It’s important to floss correctly. Improper flossing can potentially damage your teeth and gums. So, if you’re unsure about the right way to clean in between your teeth, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to floss correctly: 1. Break off about 18 to 24 inches of dental floss. 2. Wind most of the floss around both of your middle fingers, leaving only about 1 to 2 inches of floss for your teeth. 3. Hold the floss tight with your thumbs and index fingers. 4. Place the dental floss in between two teeth. 5. Gently glide the floss up and down, rubbing it against both sides of each tooth. Be careful not to glide the floss into your gums, as this can cause scratches or bruises. 6. As the floss reaches your gums, curve it at the base of the tooth to form a C shape. This allows the floss to enter the space between your gums and your tooth. 7. Repeat these steps as you move from tooth to tooth, using a new, clean section of floss for each tooth. Dr. Deepak Kamalanathan, one of the leading prosthodontists in Chennai, brings years of experience in advanced dental care to his flourishing practice at Apple Dental. He is well-versed on advanced dental technologies. Services provided by the doctor include Zirconia, DMLS and PFM Crowns, Implant Prosthesis, Full Mouth Oral Rehabilitation, Veneers, BPS Dentures Fixing, Smile Design, Implant Retained Dentures etc. With highly trained dental team and state-of-the-art facilities, he is passionate about bringing high quality dental care to his patients at affordable costs. Remember to floss once daily before brushing your teeth to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral health. Happy flossing!