Dental floss: a nylon thread, also available as a tape, used to clean in the crevices between individual teeth, where the toothbrush cannot clean. Dental floss comes in many different thicknesses from very fine thread to thick tape, and with varied amounts of wax and plain or flavored. Your personal dentist can recommend which type of floss is best for you. It became a consumer staple in 1897.

Plaque: a film of bacteria and mucous that grows on your teeth. Some of the bacteria in the plaque make acids which decay your teeth. Other kinds of bacteria in the plaque make toxins which cause gum disease.

2torial #0626: Learn2 Floss Your Teeth (Continued) Draw your weapon The key to effective flossing is to store your ammunition carefully; this will allow you to floss each tooth with a clean section of floss. Take out a section of floss 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in length.   Wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. If you like, stare in the mirror, sneer and say, "Okay, plaque. I'm coming for you." Step 2