18" (46 cm) of dental floss--this comes in many different thicknesses, from very fine thread to thick tape, and with varied amounts of wax, and either plain or flavored

Optional:

Dental floss holders, for those who have difficulty grasping the floss, or have limited use of their arms

5 minutes

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.

If you're limited to the use of one arm or don't like handling the floss, there are special holders available that'll enable you to floss with one hand.

If your gums bleed or feel tender from flossing, don't be alarmed. The gums often take a little time to become accustomed to flossing. This reaction is the sign of the healing process.

2torial #0626: Learn2 Floss Your Teeth Once a day, every day, floss only the teeth you want to keep. For some folks, flossing won't be the highlight of their day. But compared to sitting in a dentist's chair with a drill in your mouth, flossing is a joyful celebration. Why floss? Even the most careful brushing reaches only three-fifths of all tooth surfaces. And dental floss can go where no brush has gone before: between teeth, along the gumline. As a bonus, It's readily available, inexpensive and easy to use. This simple daily routine will save your teeth, your money, your time and your movie star smile. You've brushed your teeth. They look good, eh? They feel good as your tongue runs across the front of them? But your tongue can't reach where your brush did, and your brush can't reach where the plaque is slowly but surely building up between each tooth. But you know what to do. You have the technology. And it's never too late to learn new habits. So flex those fingers, grab that floss, and open wide. 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." Load your weapon   Right now there should be about six inches (16 cm) of floss dangling from one finger.   Wind the dangling floss around the middle finger of the other hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes used.   Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, with about an inch (2.5 cm) of floss between them. There should be no slack.   You are now armed. Caution: You may feel an adrenalin rush as you raise your hands to your mouth. Fire when ready Using a gentle back-and-forth motion, guide the floss between your teeth. Never snap the floss into the gums.   When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance. Victory is at hand! You have the enemy surrounded.   Hold the floss tightly against the tooth, and move it away from the gum. Slide it firmly down the tooth surface, combining this with a back-and-forth motion.   Do this five or six times along the side of the tooth. Without removing the floss, curve it around the adjacent tooth and scrape that one, too. You have just eradicated the first guard in a row of hidden enemies. Victory is sweet. Show no mercy Wind the used portion of floss around your finger--the one that started with less floss. Unwind a clean segment from your storage finger, and repeat this procedure on each tooth, upper and lower.   Remember to floss behind back teeth or where there is no adjacent tooth. Your mission is successfully concluded. Toss that floss...its job is done. Don't forget to rinse your mouth vigorously with water; this will wash away any food matter that was loosened but not removed. -end- Learn More!