When you brush your teeth:
Floss at least once a day. The type of floss you use is not important. Choose the type and flavor you like best. When you floss your teeth, use any of the following methods:
Gently work the floss between the teeth toward the gums. Curve the floss around each tooth into a U-shape and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque. Popping the floss in and out between the teeth without scraping will not remove much plaque and can hurt your gums.
A plastic flossing tool makes flossing easier. Child-size flossing tools are available for parents to use to floss their children's teeth. They are available at most drugstores.
If your gums bleed when you floss, the bleeding should stop as your gums become healthier and tighter next to your teeth.
Test Your Knowledge
It is better to brush my teeth with gentle, circular motions than to scrub vigorously.
If my gums bleed when I floss, it means that I probably should not floss.
This answer is correct.
Gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing too hard can make the gums pull away from the teeth and can scratch your tooth enamel.
This answer is incorrect.
Gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing too hard can make the gums pull away from the teeth and can scratch your tooth enamel.
This answer is incorrect.
If you have just started flossing your teeth and your gums bleed when you floss, it probably means that your gums are not used to cleaning. The bleeding after flossing should stop as your gums become healthier and tighter next to your teeth. Talk to your dentist if the bleeding after flossing does not stop after a few days of regular flossing.
This answer is correct.
If you have just started flossing your teeth and your gums bleed when you floss, it probably means that your gums are not used to cleaning. The bleeding after flossing should stop as your gums become healthier and tighter next to your teeth. Talk to your dentist if the bleeding after flossing does not stop after a few days of regular flossing.