Flossing is an essential part of a healthy oral care routine—yet many people still skip it. That’s why we’re happy to remind you just how important it is! We're sharing our best tips to help you take even better care of your mouth. Together with Smyle, let’s floss our way to a healthier smile.
How important is flossing?
You might not even realize it, but your teeth build up plaque between them every day. The bacteria in that plaque can be harmful to your gum health. If you don’t remove it regularly, it can lead to bleeding gums or cavities. And the longer you leave it, the more likely that plaque will harden into tartar—making it much harder to remove and even more difficult to keep your teeth clean. That’s why regular dental check-ups are also essential to monitor the health of your teeth.
Interdental brushes and toothpicks can help solve this problem. But reaching those tight spaces between your teeth can still be tricky. That’s exactly why flossing is such a great solution! Bonus? Flossing can also help make your teeth appear whiter!
Step by step
- Wash your hands
Since you’ll want to keep things hygienic, it’s smart to start by washing your hands thoroughly.
- Wrap the floss
The length of your floss matters! We recommend using about 40 centimeters (16 inches) of floss. Wind the ends around your fingers, leaving a shorter piece on one hand for better control while flossing.
- Not too tight
Before you begin, don’t hold the floss too tightly. A looser grip will give you better flexibility and help avoid snapping or hurting your gums.
- Gentle movements
Now the fun begins! Just like brushing your teeth, fast and aggressive movements don’t mean better results. Be gentle and take your time—harsh flossing can damage your gums.
- Bleeding gums
If your gums bleed while flossing, don’t panic. This is normal if it’s your first time or if you haven’t flossed in a while. The bleeding should stop soon. If it continues, you may have gum issues—so it’s best to see your dentist.
- The C-shape
When you reach the gumline, curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth. This helps you clean both sides effectively.
- Bottom to top
Move the floss from the bottom of the tooth up to the top—and don’t forget to repeat on the other side. Just remember: not too tight, so the floss doesn’t snap.
- Don’t skip any teeth
Stick to a rhythm and make sure you don’t skip any teeth along the way.
Tadaa! You’ve done it! You’ve flossed like a pro, and now you can walk around with that fresh, clean-mouth feeling. Because a clean mouth is a happy Smyle!
How often should I floss?
After reading all this, you’re probably wondering: “But how often should I actually floss?” No worries—we’ve got you covered. Most dental experts recommend flossing once a day. If that feels like too much at first, try to floss at least a few times a week. Just make sure you're using the right technique!
Smyle's dental floss
Together, we’re working toward the most natural and plastic-free oral care routine! That’s why we’ve created our own floss—packaged in a small glass dispenser, with 30 meters of thread. Our floss is made from corn-based PLA, making it completely vegan and plastic-free! Ready to start flossing? Go vegan, go plastic-free—go Smyle!
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